Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a rally in Punjab’s Jalandhar, slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and further accused the party of humiliating former CM Amarinder Singh. The BJP leader promised a ‘Naya Punjab’ – a drug-free state. 

Modi on Monday said that the BJP-led alliance will form the next government in Punjab and a new chapter of development will start in the state.

Also read: Goa votes for 40 seats: Big politics in India’s smallest state

“In Punjab, the NDA alliance will form government. In Punjab, a new chapter of development will start. I want to assure the people, especially the youth, that for their brighter future, we will not leave any stone unturned,” Modi said while addressing his first physical rally in the state for the February 20 assembly polls.

He further accused the Congress of running Punjab on a remote control and removing CM Amarinder Singh.

“Look at congress party today… Their own leaders are talking against their party…. How can such party work for the Punjab? How will they work for the development of Punjab?” he added.

Also Read | Navjot Singh Sidhu refuses to address at Priyanka Gandhi’s rally, fuels speculation of internal conflict

On January 5, the prime minister had to return from Punjab without attending any event, including a rally, after his convoy got stuck on a flyover due to a blockade by protesters in Ferozepur. For the state polls, Modi had on February 8 addressed a virtual rally.

Modi said it was his desire to pay obeisance at the Devi Talab Mandir, “but the police and the administration here said they will not be able to make arrangements”.

“They said you leave by helicopter, such is the situation of the government here… But I will come here again and pay obeisance at the temple.”

Also Read | Union Home Minister Amit Shah releases BJP’s manifesto in Lucknow, makes four major promises

He recalled an incident during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when his helicopter was stalled in Pathankot ‘because their ‘Yuvraj’ (Rahul Gandhi) was going visit in another corner of Punjab’. 

The BJP is contesting the elections to the 117-member Punjab assembly in alliance with the Amarinder Singh-led Punjab Lok Congress and the Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa-led Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt).

Dhindsa and Singh were present at the Jalandhar rally.