SANGRUR, Oct 26: In a major move ahead of the Punjab Assembly polls, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will kickoff the party’s campaign on November 4 from Sangrur.
The choice of location is strategically calculated. Sangrur is Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s home district and borders Mansa, where the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota earlier this month has triggered widespread outrage. Amid growing concern over attacks on anti-drug campaigners across the Malwa region, Congress high command surveys have identified synthetic drug abuse as a top concern for voters.
According to Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Pargat Singh, the Malwa region remains central to state politics, making it the ideal ground to address key public grievances. Congress leaders highlighted that state affairs in-charge Sachin Pilot has pivoted the party’s focus toward the drug epidemic after wrapping up a five-day campaign on public safety.
A senior party leader noted that Gandhi’s address will outline the main electoral agenda. Insiders also suggest Gandhi may visit the family of the slain activist during his visit to underline the party’s commitment to tackling the crisis.
