The political landscape in Punjab is becoming increasingly contentious as the Congress party and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) exchange personal jabs in the lead-up to the 2027 Assembly elections. The rivalry has intensified, with both parties resorting to below-the-belt remarks, marking a significant shift in their relationship as allies within the INDIA bloc.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of allegedly smelling of alcohol during parliamentary sessions, claiming this compromised Mann’s ability to address the state’s drug issues. This accusation has sparked a fierce response from the AAP, which has taken to social media to mock Gandhi, referring to him as “Pappu” and inviting the public to share their favourite quotes attributed to him.

This verbal confrontation comes just months ahead of the anticipated elections, with the AAP currently in power and the Congress serving as the main opposition party. The ongoing exchange of insults reflects the deteriorating rapport between the two parties, who were once united in their opposition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations Against Mann

During the Congress’s Insaaf Rally in Sangrur on November 4, 2026, Rahul Gandhi launched a pointed critique of Chief Minister Mann, questioning his capacity to combat drug abuse in Punjab. He recounted his experiences in the Lok Sabha, where he allegedly detected the smell of alcohol from Mann during morning sessions.

Gandhi stated, “If you have to fight against nasha, then your CM cannot do nasha every evening,” highlighting what he perceives as a contradiction in Mann’s leadership. Gandhi’s comments were made in the context of a broader campaign aimed at addressing the pressing issue of substance abuse in Punjab, particularly the prevalence of drugs such as chitta.

He challenged the AAP’s promises to eradicate drug-related problems, asking for evidence of their success in this regard. In addition to targeting Mann, Gandhi also accused AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal of exerting control over Punjab’s administration from Delhi, suggesting that local governance is compromised by external influences.

AAP’s Response and Counterattacks

The AAP’s response to Gandhi’s allegations was swift and personal. Party spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj condemned Gandhi’s remarks as “below-the-belt attacks” and questioned the Congress’s focus on the AAP rather than the BJP. The AAP’s social media strategy included mocking Gandhi with the nickname “Pappu,” a term often used by his political opponents.

In a bid to shift the narrative, Bharadwaj highlighted that similar allegations had been made against Gandhi in the past, suggesting that such claims do not hold weight without substantial evidence. The AAP’s strategy aims to redirect attention to the Congress’s own shortcomings while reinforcing their position as the ruling party in Punjab.

As tensions escalate, both parties are preparing for a fiercely contested election cycle. The BJP, observing the ongoing feud, is positioning itself to capitalise on the discord between the Congress and AAP, particularly in relation to the state’s drug crisis. With the current Assembly’s term set to conclude on March 16, 2027, the political dynamics in Punjab are likely to evolve further in the coming months.

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