Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has placed Punjab’s drug crisis at the centre of the party’s political campaign ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Addressing the Insaaf Rally in Sangrur on November 4, 2026, Gandhi criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government over its handling of substance abuse and questioned the progress made towards fulfilling its election promises.
The rally marked an important step in the Congress party’s preparations to challenge the ruling AAP in Punjab.
Rahul Gandhi Questions AAP’s Anti-Drug Commitments
During his address, Gandhi recalled the promises made by AAP leaders during the 2022 Assembly election campaign, when the party had pledged to eliminate the drug problem in Punjab.
He questioned how much progress had been achieved and asked which areas of the state had become free from drugs.
The Congress leader also highlighted concerns surrounding synthetic drugs and other narcotic substances, arguing that the issue continues to demand serious attention.
By raising the subject at the Sangrur rally, Gandhi sought to make drug prevention and public safety major issues in the Congress campaign.
Earlier Congress Promise Comes Under Focus
Punjab’s drug problem has remained a political issue across successive governments.
In December 2015, former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had promised to eliminate drugs within four weeks if the Congress came to power.
The party subsequently won the 2017 Assembly elections, and Amarinder Singh became Chief Minister. However, the drug problem continued during the Congress government’s five-year tenure.
This history presents a challenge for the Congress as it once again highlights the issue before voters.
BJP Also Announces Drug-Free Punjab Target
The BJP has also made drug eradication an important part of its political messaging in Punjab.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a target of making the state drug-free by December 31, 2029.
Rahul Gandhi questioned the proposed timeline and raised concerns about the Centre’s efforts to address drug trafficking.
With the Congress, AAP and BJP all discussing the issue, the effectiveness of their proposed solutions is likely to become an important subject ahead of the next Assembly elections.
Drug Crisis Requires a Wider Response
Punjab’s substance abuse problem involves several interconnected challenges.
Issues highlighted in the source report include cross-border smuggling, pharmaceutical supply networks, unemployment, addiction and the availability of treatment facilities.
Addressing these concerns requires more than arrests and drug seizures. Prevention, rehabilitation, law enforcement and public awareness are also important elements of an effective response.
Congress Steps Up Preparations for 2027
The Sangrur rally represents an early stage in the Congress party’s effort to strengthen its political presence ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
By focusing on drugs, law and order and the difficulties experienced by affected families, the party is seeking to bring public concerns into its campaign.
However, the Congress will also face questions about its own record when it previously governed the state.
As the election approaches, voters are likely to examine not only political promises but also the practical measures parties offer to address Punjab’s continuing challenges.