Rahul Gandhi Attacks Punjab CM Mann Over Alcohol Allegations at Rally

Rahul Gandhi escalated his party's campaign in Punjab on Wednesday, launching a sharp offensive against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the AAP government at a rally in Sangrur. Gandhi alleged that Mann appeared in Parliament smelling of alcohol as early as 11 am, levelling accusations that drew cheers from Congress workers gathered at the event.

The Congress leader's remarks represented a significant escalation in the party's political messaging ahead of state elections, shifting focus toward personal conduct allegations against the ruling AAP administration. Beyond the specific claims about Mann, Gandhi also targeted the AAP over its handling of the state's drug crisis, a persistent electoral issue in Punjab.

The Sangrur rally marked the formal launch of Congress's poll campaign in the state, where the party faces a challenging political landscape dominated by the AAP government and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party. Gandhi's aggressive approach signalled Congress's strategy to differentiate itself from rivals by highlighting governance and leadership concerns.

The AAP government, which came to power in 2022 on an anti-corruption platform, has faced mounting criticism over its performance on public health and law-and-order issues, particularly regarding narcotics smuggling and consumption. Congress's attack on these fronts underscores the party's bid to regain political ground in a state where it was once the dominant force.