Rahul Gandhi Remembers Sidhu Moosewala at Punjab Rally

At the 'Insaaf Rally', Rahul Gandhi reflected on his first encounter with Sidhu Moosewala, emphasizing the singer's potential and the dangers of political life.

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Aapla Nagpur Desk
4 Nov 2026, 3:39 PM IST · 2 min read
Source: TOI
Rahul Gandhi Remembers Sidhu Moosewala at Punjab Rally
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Rahul Gandhi recalled his first meeting with Sidhu Moosewala, noting his impressive personality.

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He expressed concern for Moosewala's safety in politics, emphasizing the need for political protection.

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Gandhi criticized Punjab's drug issues, targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the AAP government.

During the 'Insaaf Rally' held in Punjab, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to the late singer Sidhu Moosewala, reminiscing about their initial meeting. Gandhi described Moosewala as a talented and dynamic individual who made a strong impression on him, even before he had heard any of his music. He invited Moosewala's father to the stage, sharing how the young artist walked into his office adorned with tattoos, which added to his striking presence.

Reflecting on their encounter, Gandhi expressed his apprehension about Moosewala entering the political arena. He noted that despite not knowing much about the singer at the time, he felt a strong urge to offer him political protection. Gandhi articulated that he sensed Moosewala was stepping into a perilous environment, where he would require support to navigate the complexities of politics. This concern motivated Gandhi to induct Moosewala into the Congress party, as he believed the singer deserved a safe space to express his political aspirations.

Gandhi's remarks also highlighted Moosewala's tragic fate, as the singer was shot dead in May 2022, an event that sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about law and order in Punjab. The Congress leader recalled how Moosewala's memory has been invoked in various contexts, including during the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where he cryptically referred to the number '295', linking it to one of Moosewala's popular songs.

In addition to honoring Moosewala, Gandhi took the opportunity to criticize the current Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding the ongoing drug crisis in the state. He questioned the effectiveness of the AAP's promises to eradicate drug abuse and challenged the government to specify areas where they had succeeded in combating this issue. Gandhi's comments aimed to hold the government accountable for its commitments to the people of Punjab.

Looking ahead, the Congress party appears poised to leverage Moosewala's legacy and the pressing issues of drug abuse in their campaign strategies. As the political landscape evolves, Gandhi's reflections on Moosewala may resonate with voters who are concerned about both the past and future of Punjab's governance and social issues.

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Rahul Gandhi Remembers Sidhu Moosewala at Punjab Rally