'Let Them Lose Deposits': CM Mann Slams Rahul Gandhi Ahead of Sangrur Visit
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann predicts a heavy defeat for Congress and mocks party unity before Rahul Gandhi's upcoming Sangrur visit.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has launched a scathing attack on the Congress leadership, predicting a crushing electoral failure for the party ahead of Rahul Gandhi's scheduled rally in Sangrur on November 4. In a sharp press conference, the Chief Minister mocked the opposition's track record in the region, suggesting that high-profile visits from the Gandhi family have historically failed to translate into votes.
A History of 'Lost Security Deposits'
While acknowledging that Rahul Gandhi has every right to visit the state, CM Mann pointed out that previous star-studded campaigns had ended in disaster for Congress candidates. He recalled his own experience contesting the MP election, noting that even a visit from Sonia Gandhi to Barnala did not save the Congress candidate from losing their security deposit.
Mann further reminded the public that a previous visit by Rahul Gandhi himself yielded similar results, specifically mentioning that a candidate named Singla also lost their security deposit. "Let them come here and lose their security deposits again; it’s no big deal," Mann remarked with a smirk.
Satirical Jab at Congress Unity
Beyond the electoral numbers, the Punjab Chief Minister took a witty swipe at the internal dynamics of the Congress party. Referring to a recent visual of senior leaders traveling together, Mann painted a comical picture of the party's lack of cohesion.
He described a scene where Sachin Pilot was driving and KC Venugopal occupied the front seat, claiming that there was no room left for other leaders. "There wasn’t even a seat for Pargat Singh, so he ended up sitting on Pratap Bajwa’s lap," Mann joked, using a sports metaphor to conclude that the party hasn't even managed to "secure a pass," let alone "score a goal."
The Chief Minister's confidence was so high that he added a final punchline: "Let him come. Even if they bring Trump along, it makes no difference."
Political Clearances and Cross-Border Peace
Shifting gears toward administrative matters, Mann addressed the logistics of the visit. He stated that if a formal invitation is received, the Punjab government will promptly request political clearance from the Government of India, especially considering the upcoming Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
The Chief Minister also touched upon the emotional and historical ties between India and Pakistan, mentioning that his maternal grandparents and in-laws' family migrated from across the border. Highlighting the shared desire for peace and harmony, Mann expressed a wish for improved relations, citing the previous operational success of the Samjhauta Express and the Delhi-to-Lahore bus service.