From the MGNREGA rally stage, Rahul signals a tough organisational reset ahead of the 2027 Punjab polls; targets the Modi govt over farmers and trade deals

Chandigarh: In a strong and unmistakable message to end infighting within the Punjab Congress, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday warned party leaders to function as a united team or be prepared to “sit at home,” signalling a decisive push to restore discipline ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Addressing the party’s “MGNREGA Bachao Sangram Rally,” Rahul publicly cautioned senior leaders over factionalism, stressing that teamwork was non-negotiable for the party’s revival in Punjab.

“Work is done through teamwork. No single player wins. Become team players or we will make you sit at home. This is my message and Mallikarjun Kharge ji’s message. Respect workers — they are our real strength,” Rahul declared from the stage, with all senior MPs, MLAs and party functionaries present.

The blunt warning comes amid persistent internal divisions within the Punjab Congress, which has struggled to regain political ground after losing power in 2022.

Rahul Signals Organisational Overhaul Ahead of Crucial Punjab Polls

Rahul’s remarks are being seen as part of a broader strategy to enforce discipline and unify the state leadership ahead of the politically crucial 2027 Assembly elections, where the Congress hopes to challenge the ruling Aam Aadmi Party.

His emphasis on teamwork drew visible reactions from senior leaders seated on stage, highlighting the seriousness of the leadership’s message.

The rally also reflected the continued popularity of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, whose name drew loud cheers from the crowd. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa were also present. Rahul struck an emotional chord with the audience, saying, “I love Punjab and its people. If I write a book, I will tell you in depth.”

Targets Modi Govt Over Farmers, Trade Deal and MGNREGA

In his nearly 30-minute address, Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Centre of neglecting farmers, weakening rural employment schemes, and compromising national interests through trade agreements.

He warned that allowing large-scale agricultural imports from the United States could devastate Indian farmers and small industries.

“Soyabean, cotton, pulses, fruits — when these arrive, a storm will hit. Small farmers cannot compete with highly mechanised US agribusiness,” he said. Rahul also accused the Centre of favouring big corporates and alleged that powerful business interests were influencing policy decisions.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing the gathering, echoed Rahul’s concerns, accusing both the Centre and state government of failing to address unemployment, farmer distress and the growing drug menace. With the Congress gearing up for a political comeback bid in Punjab, Rahul’s stern message underscores a clear leadership intent: internal unity and discipline will be central to the party’s strategy as it prepares for the next electoral battle.