"Let them lose security deposits": Punjab CM Mann targets Rahul Gandhi ahead of Sangrur rally

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Congress leadership ahead of Rahul Gandhi's scheduled rally in Sangrur on November 4, predicting a heavy electoral defeat for the opposition party.

Speaking at a press conference, Mann emphasised that previous high-profile Congress campaigns in the region had yielded poor results.

"He certainly has the right to come, let him come. Previously, when I contested the MP election, Sonia Gandhi visited Barnala. And what was the result? Their candidate lost his security deposit. Before that, Rahul Gandhi had also visited, and at that time, Singla lost his security deposit. Let them come here and lose their security deposits again; it's no big deal," he said.


Read more: Rahul Gandhi to kickstart Congress Punjab campaign from Mann's home turf on November 4

The Punjab Chief Minister took a satirical jab at a recent visual of senior Congress leaders travelling together, claiming that Pargat Singh was seen sitting on Pratap Bajwa's lap, meaning that the party couldn't even secure a pass, let alone a goal.

"As for the unity within the Congress, I've seen it. (Sachin) Pilot was driving, and KC Venugopal was in the front seat. There wasn't even a seat for Pargat Singh, so he ended up sitting on Pratap Bajwa's lap. This clearly shows that they haven't even managed to secure a pass yet, let alone scoring a goal," he said.

In a witty swipe at the visit, Mann added, "Let him come. Even if they bring Trump along, it makes no difference."

Read more: '₹2.5 lakh shoes, suits worth lakhs': BJP slams Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann'

Furthermore, Mann said that if a formal invitation arrives, the Punjab government will promptly apply to the Government of India for the required political clearance in view of the upcoming Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

"ShiromCommittee also takes jathas there. Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurab is coming up next month. If a formal invitation arrives, we will apply to the Government of India for the political clearance. My maternal grandparents came from Pakistan, and my in-laws' family also migrated from there. Many memories are tied to that country, and the people of both nations desire peace and harmony. In the past, Samjhauta Express and a bus service from Delhi to Lahore were operational; relations between the two countries should improve," he said.