‘Dynamic, talented young man’: Rahul Gandhi recalls Sidhu Moosewala’s Congress entry, meets singer’s father

Recalling their meeting at his office, Rahul said he had not heard Moosewala’s songs or even his voice at the time but had been told that he was a good person.

Prefer HTon Google

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday recalled his first meeting with the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala before inducting him into the party in 2021, describing him as a “dynamic and talented young man”. Rahul was addressing the ‘Insaaf Rally’ in Sangrur, Punjab when he invited the late singer’s father onto the stage.

Recalling his meeting with the late Punjabi singer at his office, Rahul said he had not heard Moosewala’s songs or even his voice at the time but had been told that he was a good person, a musician and wanted to join the Congress.

“He was an impressive young man. He walked into the room with tattoos. I had not heard his songs or even his voice at that time,” Rahul said, adding that he decided to induct him into the party based on his impression of the singer.

Also Read | ‘24 hours have passed’: Rahul Gandhi renews debate challenge to PM Modi, Amit Shah says govt ready

Rahul further said he had a sudden feeling that Moosewala was entering a “dangerous field”, although nobody had told him anything to that effect.

“I felt that he was entering a dangerous field. I don't know why I got that feeling,” he said.

Explaining what he meant by the remark, Rahul said he wanted to protect Moosewala politically, not physically, as the singer was a young man entering politics and was unfamiliar with its workings.

“I felt I should protect him in my own way. I did not mean physical protection. I meant political protection,” Rahul said.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi says Gyanesh Kumar will go to jail, warns BJP of ‘legal action over vote chori’

Moosewala was shot dead in a firing incident at Jawaharke in Mansa district on May 29, 2022. He, along with his cousin and a friend, was driving in a Mahindra Thar jeep to Jawahar Ke, 10km from his native Moosa village, when he was ambushed and killed by six shooters.

More than 30 bullet marks were found on the jeep. Moosewala was rushed to the civil hospital in Mansa in a critical condition where he was declared dead. The 29-year-old singer had joined the Congress in December in 2021 and unsuccessfully contested 2022 Punjab elections on a Congress ticket from Mansa district.

• 

  Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More