Rahul Gandhi Attacks Punjab CM Over Alcohol Habits, Congress Cadre Cheer

Nothing has pleased the average Congress worker in Punjab than the manner in which Rahul Gandhi launched an all-out attack on AAP chief minister Bhagwant Mann. From picking on widespread use of psychotropic drug “chitta” in the state to fondly remembering how rapper Siddhu Moosewala was claimed by violence in the state in 2022, Rahul charged the AAP government of misgovernance. He personally charged Mann of indiscretions — recalling how as Lok Sabha MP, Bhagwant Mann used to reek of alcohol in Parliament. “Many years back, I had said that drugs are spreading in Punjab. The BJP and the Akali Dal at that time said Rahul Gandhi does not know anything about Punjab, downplaying the drug menace. Today, ‘chitta‘ (adulterated heroin) is a major issue in the state,” he said. Recalling that the AAP government was formed after people placed their trust in the party that it will end the drug menace in Punjab. “In Lok Sabha, he (Mann) used to crack jokes sitting with us. At 11 am, he smelled of alcohol. I am not saying Bhagwant Mann should not consume alcohol; it is his personal matter. But if you want to fight drugs, the chief minister can’t get intoxicated every evening,” he said. Congress sources say Rahul Gandhi may not have been comfortable commenting on Mann’s personal habits but it helped convey a strong message ahead of the state elections. Meanwhile, defending Mann, AAP wondered why Rahul was not speaking against UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath or Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Dhami. The party felt Rahul was using Mann as a “soft target”.