Sangrur, Nov 4 Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a strong attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, calling it the “most corrupt” government and alleging that it has failed on all fronts.
Speaking against the Bhagwant Mann-led government, Kharge focused on issues of drugs and corruption in the state.
He also alleged the AAP government has destroyed the lives of youth and farmers.
“Before they came to power, they promised to make Punjab progressive. But what have they done? The futures of our youth and farmers are being compromised; the drug menace continues. Is this their vision of good governance?” he questioned the AAP.
He accused the AAP of having destroyed Delhi and now bringing the same fate to Punjab, labelling it the “most corrupt government” and alleging they are looting the state.
“I have never witnessed such a corrupt government in my entire public life,” Kharge stated while addressing his party’s ‘Insaaf Rally’ in Sangrur, which marks the beginning of Congress’s campaign for the 2027 Assembly elections.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the party’s Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot and several senior leaders of Punjab Congress also addressed the rally.
Kharge further claimed that AAP acts as the “B” team of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He criticised AAP for participating in elections in states where it has no significant presence, suggesting that it does so to aid the BJP.
“When Congress is winning in places like Gujarat and Goa, they intervene. They meddle in Karnataka and Maharashtra. If they have no stake in these states, why are they there? Why do they want to undermine democracy and support Modi, BJP, and RSS?” he asked.
He urged the people of Punjab to teach AAP a lesson for its governance.
Kharge also addressed concerns regarding the deteriorating law and order situation, sharing stories of families affected by violence and drug-related issues.
“A mother came who said her child was shot dead. Another mother shared that her two children died due to drugs. Many people have claimed that law and order is failing and corruption is rampant,” he said.
Kharge promised that if Congress formed the government in Punjab following the upcoming elections, it would work to create a drug-free Punjab, end gangsterism, ensure farmers’ rights, provide employment to youth, empower Dalits and weaker sections, and eradicate corruption.
Regarding the Sangrur rally, Kharge mentioned, “Our poll campaigning is beginning from Sangrur. All senior leaders are present here.”
He also referenced the November 1 rally of the INDIA bloc in Delhi, stating, “The issue of ‘vote chori’ was raised at the Delhi rally… The government in Delhi is also a ‘vote chori’ government,” Kharge alleged.
Addressing the gathering, Kharge said, “I request you that if we win Punjab, we will win across the country. We must remain united. There are forces in this country trying to divide us. The RSS and BJP are undermining our institutions, many of which were established with good intentions by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. They are attempting to dismantle these institutions.”
Kharge highlighted the importance of voting rights, recalling how under Rajiv Gandhi’s government, the voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 years through a constitutional amendment.
“Without the right to vote, you cannot achieve anything. Bhagwant Mann is in his position today because the people of Punjab exercised their right to vote. If your votes are taken away, Mann would not be in office either.
“Kejriwal wouldn’t even be able to collect a monthly payment here… ‘Vote chori’ is an issue, but the government here is failing as well,” he alleged.
Expressing confidence in Congress securing victory in Punjab in 2027, Kharge stated, “We will fulfil former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s vision. Only Congress can provide good governance to the people of Punjab.”
He criticised the BJP-led central government, claiming, “For 12 years, the Modi government has harmed farmers. They even introduced three black farm laws, which the farmers of Punjab compelled them to withdraw.
“Modi spoke of doubling farmers’ income; did that happen?” he asked. “And what is their ‘B team’ doing? No one knows when Kejriwal will support whom,” he said.
Kharge credited Punjab for feeding the entire nation despite being a small state.
“The UPA government introduced many important schemes like MGNREGA, the Right to Education, and the Right to Health. Punjab is a land of valour, with its people having made significant contributions and sacrifices in the nation’s freedom struggle and in safeguarding our borders,” he said.
(PTI News)
