Sangrur, Punjab: Congress leader Pratap Bajwa has launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab ahead of Rahul Gandhi's rally in Sangrur, accusing the party of betraying the state's people and failing to address key concerns.

Bajwa said Sangrur was a significant starting point for the Congress's rallies because of AAP's political growth in the region over the past several years. He expressed confidence that different sections of society, particularly young people, were looking towards Rahul Gandhi for leadership.

Congress Targets AAP Over Punjab's Interests

Bajwa described Sangrur as an important political centre for AAP, saying the party had steadily expanded its presence in Punjab from the region over the last eight to ten years.

He alleged that AAP had betrayed the people of Punjab and said the Congress had therefore decided to begin its rally campaign from Sangrur.

The Congress leader also accused the current political leadership of neglecting Punjab's interests. He argued that the state needed a government focused on development, public welfare and effective administration.

Bajwa Predicts Rahul Gandhi Could Become Prime Minister in 2029

Expressing confidence in the Congress leadership, Bajwa said he believed Rahul Gandhi could become India's Prime Minister in 2029.

He referred to the development model associated with former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and former Punjab Chief Minister Pratap Singh Kairon, arguing that Punjab had previously benefited from a strong focus on progress.

Bajwa called for renewed attention to the state's development and said the Congress believed it had the experience needed to address Punjab's governance challenges.

Law and Order and Punjab Police Under Scrutiny

Bajwa claimed that the Congress was better equipped to restore law and order in Punjab and strengthen control over the state's police administration.

His remarks placed public security and policing at the centre of the party's criticism of the AAP government. However, the statement did not provide specific figures or independent evidence to substantiate his assessment of the current law-and-order situation.

Bajwa Questions Amit Shah Over Drug Networks

The Congress leader also questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah over action against major drug traffickers and alleged links between criminal networks and influential individuals.

Bajwa asked why, in his view, the authorities had not dismantled the alleged nexus behind drug trafficking in Punjab. He criticised what he described as a promise to make Punjab drug-free by 2030, following the 2027 state Assembly elections.

His comments made the fight against drug trafficking a central issue in the political debate surrounding Punjab's future.

Punjab Politics Ahead of the 2027 Elections

Bajwa's remarks highlight the Congress's attempt to challenge AAP on governance, public safety and drug-related concerns ahead of the next Punjab Assembly elections, scheduled for 2027.

By beginning its rally campaign in Sangrur, the Congress is seeking to strengthen its political position in a region that Bajwa described as central to AAP's rise in the state.

The allegations and political predictions expressed by Bajwa represent the Congress leader's position. Responses from AAP and Amit Shah were not included in the statement provided.