Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming that he lacks the qualities needed to lead the country. He mocked the Congress party, saying they have failed to successfully “launch” him in Indian politics. Speaking at a private broadcaster’s event in New Delhi, Mann ridiculed Gandhi’s frequent foreign visits and accused him of being absent during critical parliamentary sessions.
“Who else is visible as an opposition leader in the country? That gentleman,” Mann said, before the interviewer prompted, “Rahul Gandhi.” Taking a dig at Gandhi’s absence from important political events, Mann said, “He sometimes goes to Italy, to his grandmother or his maternal uncle. Whenever there is an important Parliament session, he sits in America. Isn’t it?”
The Punjab CM sarcastically compared Gandhi’s political career to India’s space missions, remarking that even Sriharikota successfully launched Chandrayaan quickly, but Congress is still struggling to launch Rahul Gandhi. Bhagwant Mann further questioned why Congress keeps pushing Gandhi as a national leader despite repeated failures. He criticized the party’s dynastic politics, saying, “God has not given him that virtue. Why are you forcing him to become a leader? Leadership is not a family fiefdom where the son automatically replaces the father.” He concluded by saying, “Please leave him alone. The poor guy is already sad about where he is stuck.”
Bhagwant Mann’s remarks also reflect the worsening ties between AAP and Congress despite both parties being part of the INDIA Alliance. The relations between the two took a further dip after the Delhi elections, where AAP and Congress clashed over seat-sharing and political dominance in the national capital. This ongoing friction raises questions about the stability of the opposition bloc as the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also has strongly supported the bulldozer action against drug traffickers, emphasizing that such criminals have ruined countless lives. Inspired by the UP model of demolishing properties acquired through illegal means, Punjab has now adopted a similar strategy.
Speaking at the ‘What India Thinks Today Summit’, Mann stated that drug trafficking in Punjab is largely facilitated by cross-border smuggling due to its geographical location. He revealed that drug lords have used their illegal earnings to build mansions, marriage palaces, and commercial properties, which are now being demolished under the NDPS Act.
When questioned about the Supreme Court’s stance on bulldozer action, Mann defended his decision, asserting that justice must be swift. “Legal battles drag on for decades. Meanwhile, families suffer. We must send a strong message, those who destroy lives with drugs will not enjoy their illegally built properties,” he declared.
Bhagwant Mann dismissed concerns over judicial intervention, saying that governments also make decisions, not just courts. He insisted that Punjab’s elected government has the right to take such action in the interest of justice. “Democracy runs on elected representatives, not selected ones,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to eradicating Punjab’s drug menace.