Sidhu Moosewala

India inshorts@indiainshorts

Rahul Gandhi launched Congress's Punjab poll campaign in Sangrur, calling Sidhu Moosewala's murder a sign of gangsterism turning into a mindset.

He attacked both the AAP government and the BJP-led Centre over gangs, drugs, unemployment and falling youth trust in institutions. He also said a Congress government would be run from Punjab, not Delhi.

Three 10-day cycle yatras through Majha, Malwa and Doaba start November 12, focusing on law and order and the killings of anti-drug activists. Rahul Gandhi may also meet families hit by drug abuse on another visit, though dates are still open.

India inshorts@indiainshorts

Rahul Gandhi, speaking at a rally in Sangrur, Punjab, linked the 2022 killing of singer Sidhu Moosewala to rising gangster violence in the state. He also criticised the AAP government's record on policing and drugs.

He recalled meeting Moosewala, who had joined Congress, and said the singer's security had been cut the day before he was killed in Mansa in May 2022. Police have pinned the murder on the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and named Canada-based Goldy Brar as a central planner.

Gandhi questioned AAP's pledge to wipe out drugs and accused Home Minister Amit Shah of backing jailed gangsters.