Preparations start for Rahul Gandhi’s Barnala rally
Party leaders intensify preparations as February 28 event aims to project unity and target AAP government
Hectic preparations are under way as the Punjab Congress gears up to present a united front ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, with a rally scheduled in Barnala to be addressed by Rahul Gandhi.
The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) has appointed senior Congress leader Hardyal Singh Kamboj as the in-charge of Barnala district for the rally. He will coordinate with Barnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhillon to oversee the arrangements. Kamboj has held a series of meetings with party leaders in Patiala, Rajpura and Sangrur to review preparations for the political event.
Party leaders said the rally will be held at the Barnala grain market, where key issues concerning Punjab will be highlighted. “Rahul Gandhi will address the gathering and expose the hollow promises of the AAP government, as well as the failure of state agencies to maintain law and order in Punjab,” Kamboj said.
“We have conducted meetings and coordinated with the Barnala unit to ensure foolproof arrangements for the rally. Party workers from across the state will participate,” added Kamboj, a two-time former MLA.
Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Punjab on February 28 to take part in the party’s ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ campaign in Barnala. He is also expected to hold a foot march in nearby areas. Senior Punjab Congress leaders, including state Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa, are expected to attend the event.
Congress leaders expressed confidence about the turnout. “A large gathering is expected, as our recent political programmes in the state have received strong public support. People are disillusioned with the false promises of the Punjab government and are looking for change. The rally will reflect the public’s desire for a new direction,” they said.
The announcement of the rally comes days after signs of reconciliation among senior state leaders. Earlier this week, Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa hosted a dinner for senior party leaders at his Chandigarh residence. Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, state Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and former Speaker Rana KP Singh attended the gathering.
MLAs Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Aruna Chaudhary, Rana Gurjeet Singh and Sukhpal Singh Khaira were also present. All-India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge for Punjab Bhupesh Baghel attended as well.
“A large number of workers are expected to attend the mega event, and preparations are already in full swing,” a senior party leader said.
Meanwhile, PPCC general secretary (organisation) Capt Sandeep Singh Sandhu (retd) has assigned responsibilities to party leaders to ensure the smooth conduct of the February 28 rally in Barnala.
