# Rahul Gandhi's alcohol barb sparks AAP backlash

> Rahul Gandhi accuses Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann of alcohol use during parliamentary sessions, triggering AAP's criticism ahead of 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
- Title: Rahul Gandhi's alcohol barb sparks AAP backlash · India Today
- Summary: Rahul Gandhi accuses Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann of alcohol use during parliamentary sessions, triggering AAP's criticism ahead of 2027 Punjab Assembly…
- Keywords: rahul gandhi, bhagwant mann, punjab assembly elections, aap, congress, india today, drug menace, alcohol consumption, sidhu moosewala, amit shah, india
- Source: India Today — https://indiatoday.in/india/story/rahul-gandhi-bhagwant-mann-punjab-drug-menace-alcohol-remarks-aap-response-3032584-2026-11-05
- Author: Aseem Bassi
- Published: 2026-11-05T02:20:10+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rahul gandhi, bhagwant mann, punjab assembly elections, aap, congress, india today, drug menace, alcohol consumption, sidhu moosewala, amit shah, news, india
## Rahul Gandhi attacks Bhagwant Mann
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's anti-drug record and accused him of regular alcohol consumption during parliamentary sessions.

> This cm bhagwant mann used to crack jokes in lok sabha while sitting with is and liquor smell came from him at 11:00 am
## AAP calls rally directionless
Aam Aadmi Party labeled Gandhi's Insaaf Rally as 'directionless' and accused Congress of lacking a vision for Punjab's development.
## Gandhi questions AAP's drug promises
Gandhi challenged AAP's claim of eradicating drugs in Punjab and asked what steps they took to fulfill their commitment.

> When aap came to punjab they promised of eradicating drugs i want to ask you from where they have eradicated drugs they cannot do it
## Gandhi references Sidhu Moosewala
Gandhi recalled Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala's killing and accused the government of failing to protect talent from gangsterism.

> What happened to the son of balkaur singh has become a fashion in punjab now anyone who has talent is shot down now
## Gandhi targets Amit Shah
Gandhi accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of enabling gangsterism through Delhi-based government control over Punjab.
## Gandhi challenges Modi
Gandhi accused Prime Minister Modi of working with billionaires and US President Trump on drug policy in Punjab.

> Why the prime minister has not publicly challenged the us president's statements
## AAP criticizes Congress
AAP claimed Congress is a 'fragmented political organisation' with diminishing electoral relevance across India.

> Congress has been reduced to a fragmented political organisation with diminishing electoral relevance across the country
## 2027 Punjab Assembly elections
Both Congress and AAP prepare for 2027 Punjab Assembly elections despite being partners in the INDIA bloc at the national level.
## Gandhi's campaign promise
Gandhi promised a Congress government focused on farmers, small businesses, and employment generation in Punjab.
## Key takeaway

Rahul Gandhi accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of alcohol consumption during parliamentary sessions, prompting AAP to call his rally 'directionless' ahead of 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.