Rahul Gandhi warns Punjab Congress to act as team players or face action, says will fix internal divisions

Barnala (The Uttam Hindu): Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday openly expressed displeasure over factionalism within the Punjab unit of the party during a major rally in Barnala. Addressing party leaders from the stage, he made it clear that personal ambitions must not take precedence over teamwork.

Rahul Gandhi stated that no single player can win a match alone and emphasized that the Congress has a complete team that must function collectively. He urged leaders to act as team players, warning that those who fail to do so could be sidelined. He added that he and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge would take action against leaders who do not work with a team spirit. He also highlighted that the party’s real strength lies in its grassroots workers and that the future of politics in Punjab depends on respecting and involving them.

Remarks on MGNREGA and farmers

Rahul Gandhi said farmers should remember past attempts to bring in farm laws and alleged that labourers are now being deprived of employment support through schemes like MGNREGA. He asserted that the Congress stands with farmers, labourers, and small traders. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he urged people to critically evaluate his speeches and judge for themselves.

Attack on Centre over India–US trade deal

During the rally, Rahul Gandhi criticised the central government over the India–US trade agreement, claiming that the deal, which had been stalled for months, suddenly progressed. He alleged that the agreement could open the door for imports of agricultural products like soybean, walnuts, and almonds, potentially impacting farmers in states including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

Kharge calls for struggle on two fronts

Before the rally, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed farmers and labourers, stating that Punjab has always symbolised struggle. He urged people to prepare for a dual fight — one against the central government and another against the state government.