CHANDIGARH: In a clear message from the stage in Barnala, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made it clear that indiscipline in Punjab Congress will no longer be tolerated.
Addressing a gathering of party workers, farmers and labourers at the MGNREGA Bachao Sangram Rally, he told senior state leaders to work as one team or be prepared to sit out.
Standing alongside Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and general secretary K. C. Venugopal, Gandhi’s tone was firm and clear. Without naming anyone, he targeted the ongoing infighting that has weakened the party in Punjab. “No one wins a match alone. If you don’t work as a team, we will make you sit at home,” he said. He added that no leader is bigger than the party and warned that both he and Kharge would take action if discipline is not maintained.
The message was delivered in front of all senior Punjab leaders, including former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, state Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. While Channi received loud cheers from the crowd, Gandhi’s words made it clear that popularity alone will not protect anyone if factional politics continues.
The rally, organised a day after top leaders of ruling Aam Aadmi Party Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia were given clean chit in a case related to Delhi Excise Policy-was more than just a show of strength. It was a clear signal that Congress will leave no stone unturned for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections and wants to rebuild its base among farmers and workers. Hoardings focused on saving MGNREGA and protecting farmers, showing that the party plans to centre its campaign around rural distress.
Gandhi also launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over what he called the weakening of MGNREGA and the recently signed India-US trade deal. He claimed the deal would allow large-scale American agricultural imports into India, hurting small farmers and small businesses. Questioning the timing of the agreement, he asked why a decision pending for months was cleared so quickly, hinting at outside pressure.
He further referred to former Army Chief M. M. Naravane while criticising the Centre’s handling of China border tensions. He also attacked industrialist Gautam Adani, alleging that the government protects big corporate interests while farmers struggle. Speaking about Punjab’s drug problem and security challenges, Gandhi said if Punjab remains strong and safe, the country will remain safe.
Kharge echoed the same line, accusing both the BJP-led central government and the state government of failing farmers, workers and youth.
The political analysts believe that the Barnala rally in the politically important Malwa region showed that Congress wants to send two clear messages before 2027 — one to its own leaders to end internal fights, and another to voters that the party will stand with farmers and labourers. Moreover Gandhi’s speech made it clear that the high command is ready to enforce discipline as it prepares for a tough political fight ahead.
