Punjab Congress Kicks Off 2027 Election Campaign with Massive 'Save MGNREGA' Rally in Ludhiana
The Punjab Congress officially sounded the bugle for the 2027 state assembly elections on Friday with a high-energy 'Save MGNREGA' mega rally held in Dakha, Ludhiana. The event served as a powerful political platform where senior party leaders launched scathing attacks on both the BJP-led central government and the ruling AAP administration in Punjab while outlining their vision for the state's future.
Massive Gathering of Cadres and Workers
The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation from Congress cadres, party workers, and numerous MGNREGA beneficiaries who gathered to hear the party's stance on the crucial employment guarantee scheme. The atmosphere was charged with political energy as speakers addressed the crowd, focusing on livelihood issues and governance failures.
Bhupesh Baghel's Strong Commitment to MGNREGA Restoration
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab, Bhupesh Baghel, delivered a stirring address where he made several significant promises:
- Vowed that the Congress would restore MGNREGA 'at all costs' if returned to power
- Expressed strong confidence that the party would form the government in Punjab in 2027
- Asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be compelled to restore MGNREGA just as he was forced to withdraw the three farm laws
- Promised that once Congress returns to power at the Centre and Rahul Gandhi becomes prime minister, MGNREGA would be reinstated in its full form
Dual Criticism of BJP and AAP Governments
Congress leaders launched a two-pronged attack during the rally, targeting both national and state governments:
- Against BJP-led Central Government: Speakers accused the Modi administration of 'trying to snatch away the livelihood of the poor' through its policies toward MGNREGA. They emphasized that it was the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government that originally introduced the scheme to support marginalized communities.
- Against AAP State Government: Leaders criticized the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government for offering only 'lip service' and failing to take timely corrective measures to protect workers' interests. They particularly highlighted what they called the 'deteriorating law and order' situation in the state.
Warring's Sharp Critique of AAP's Performance
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring delivered pointed criticism of the AAP government's track record:
- Labeled the AAP administration as 'the worst performing' state government in implementing MGNREGA
- Cautioned people, especially women, against 'alluring promises' made by AAP, citing the 'fake promise' of ₹1,000 per month
- Accused the state government of failing to provide interim relief to affected workers
Bajwa's Broader Critique of Central Policies
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa expanded the criticism beyond MGNREGA to include other sectors:
- Alleged that the Centre was undermining the rights of both 'jawans and kisans' (soldiers and farmers)
- Claimed defense recruitment had been disrupted and farmers were 'burdened with black laws'
- Demanded a comprehensive waiver of farmers' loans as part of broader agricultural relief measures
Strategic Positioning for 2027 Elections
The Dakha rally represents a significant strategic move by the Punjab Congress as they begin positioning themselves for the 2027 assembly elections. By focusing on MGNREGA—a scheme directly impacting rural employment and livelihoods—the party is attempting to rebuild its connection with core voter bases while presenting itself as the defender of workers' rights against what they portray as hostile central and ineffective state governments.
The event's location in Ludhiana, a major industrial and agricultural hub, underscores the party's focus on both urban and rural constituencies. The strong attendance and forceful rhetoric suggest the Congress is preparing for an aggressive campaign centered on economic justice and governance accountability.
