Rahul Gandhi targets Punjab drug crisis ahead of state elections

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp political offensive in Punjab on Wednesday, positioning drug addiction as a defining election issue and attacking the Aam Aadmi Party for its governance approach. Gandhi argued that Punjab requires a government genuinely committed to tackling the state's drug crisis, which has affected thousands of families across the region.

During his campaign appearance, Gandhi contended that the current AAP administration operates under remote control from Delhi rather than serving Punjab's immediate needs. He framed the criticism as part of a broader argument that state governance should prioritize local concerns and respond directly to constituents without external interference.

The drug epidemic in Punjab has emerged as a significant public health and social challenge, with widespread concerns about addiction rates particularly among youth. Gandhi's campaign strategy appears designed to position Congress as a credible alternative capable of addressing this longstanding issue through direct, state-focused governance.

The remarks come as political parties intensify their outreach ahead of upcoming state-level electoral contests. Congress has been seeking to regain ground in Punjab after losing electoral influence in recent years, with social issues like drug control serving as key campaign touchstones.