Ahead of the Punjab elections early next year, the Congress has sharpened its attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government in the state. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who leads the Opposition in Lok Sabha, on Wednesday alleged that any criticism of the Bhagwant Mann-led government invites “threats and torture”.

पंजाब की AAP सरकार में एक खतरनाक पैटर्न दिख रहा है – सरकारी नाकामी पर सवाल करोगे, तो जवाब धमकी और torture से मिलेगा।अपने बेटे को नशे का शिकार बनते देखने वाले, दलित समुदाय से आने वाले गुलज़ार सिंह जी ने वित्त मंत्री से सिर्फ़ इतना पूछा कि सरकार ड्रग्स का कारोबार रोकने में इतनी… https://t.co/umImJz7GFm— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 9, 2026

“A dangerous pattern is emerging in Punjab’s AAP government—if you question government failures, the response will come in the form of threats and torture. Gulzar Singh ji, from the Dalit community, who had to watch his son fall victim to drugs, asked the Finance Minister just this much: why has the government failed so miserably in stopping the drug trade,” he posted on X.

Gandhi alleged that for just asking this, Singh was tortured and humiliated. He said Singh was immensely pressured to apologise and eventually he consumed poison. “Wandering from one hospital to another, without access to treatment, he ultimately lost the battle for his life. Last week, I also spoke with a young Mohanjeet Singh, who was tortured for protesting against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann,” Gandhi wrote.

He said the government  must answer the people instead of crushing those who question it. Gandhi further sought Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s resignation and an independent investigation, with his name registered in the FIR.

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