Rahul Gandhi’s Alcohol Remark, AAP’s ‘Pappu’ Jibe Turn Congress-AAP Rivalry Personal Ahead Of Punjab Polls

The political tussle between Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab has escalated with leaders from both the Congress and AAP launching personal attacks months in advance of the Assembly elections in 2027.

The current row started after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleged that Bhagwant Mann's "alcohol" smell was detectable even at 11 am to him during their meeting in the House. The AAP retorted by ridiculing Gandhi as "Pappu" and invited people on social media to post their "best joke on Gandhi.

The deal has also thrown a light on differences between the two INDIA bloc stalwarts who are now rivals in Punjab.

Rahul Gandhi slams Bhagwant Mann for alcohol allegations

While addressing the Congress gathering at Sangrur on November 4, Rahul Gandhi remembered his days when Mann was a member of the Lok Sabha, representing AAP in the Assembly before becoming the chief minister.

He would crack joks when he was in Lok Sabha sitting with us. Earlier, Gandhi would smell of liquor at 11 am, he said.

He further added that alcohol consumption was Mann's personal decision but asked that how the chief minister will be able to address the issue of drugs in Punjab if he was getting drunk.

Gandhi also asked the AAP government to clarify how it had managed to remove the drug menace which has been aiding the spread of chitta, an adulterated form of heroin, in the country.

He also alleged that Punjab was being managed from Delhi, and that AAP's national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were managing the affairs of the state.

AAP has responded with ‘Pappu' Jibe too

The AAP took Gandhi's remarks on X and invited the users to share their "favourite Pappu quote".

The party also had a line which was quoted by Gandhi's political opponents, “If I put potatoes in from one side, gold will come out from the other.”

The comment is in reference to a video of Gandhi that was clipped from his speech at Gujarat in 2017. The original clip seemed to include him voicing his guarantee that potatoes can be converted to gold, whereas the full version of his speech revealed that he was saying this in reference to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's alleged promise to the farmers.

Saurabh Bharadwaj alleges Rahul Gandhi is playing ‘petty politics'

AAP President and Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj too attacked Gandhi for his Mann comments.

There have been such allegations against Rahul Gandhi as well. But mere allegations don't do anything. At his level, I feel Rahul Gandhi should not talk about such things, Bharadwaj said.

He questioned the Congress on priorities of politics and whether it had the biggest political opponent like BJP or any other opposition party.

Bharadwaj also wondered about Gandhi's failure to say the same about BJP chief ministers like Yogi Adityanath and Pushkar Singh Dhami. He criticised Congress and BJP for targeting Punjab as the state is under the control of the Opposition party.

The Congress leaders have come to the fore to attack against AAP.Congress leaders are in the fray against AAP.

Other Congress leaders were also against the AAP government

Congress leader Srinivas BV posted a tweet on X, showing a poster of Kejriwal wearing an attire similar to that of the RSS and labeling the AAP as the "B-team" of the BJP.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at the Sangrur rally has levelled allegations of corruption against the Mann government, accusing it of transferring funds from Punjab to Delhi.

Punjab's former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi also doubted Mann's ability to run a government, alleging that he is a frequent drinker.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa likened the alleged exploitation of Punjab under the AAP government to the attacks by Ahmad Shah Abdali, who was Afghanistan's ruler, in history.

Punjab Polls Will Heat Up Political BattlePunjab Polls Are To Be The Spice Of The Political Contest

The deal follows the Punjab Assembly polls set to be held in February-March 2027. The Assembly members are set to finish their term on March 16, but the Election Commission has yet to announce polling dates.

The AAP, who had won a comprehensive victory in the 2022 Assembly elections, is looking for another term in power. The Congress, which was defeated in that election, is looking to make a comeback.

The BJP is also trying to make inroads into politics and has been working on both fronts on the issue of drugs in the state.

The Congress and AAP have been blaming each other and the battle of power in Punjab is picking up steam before the forthcoming elections.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

[email protected]

Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

Read More