In a dramatic confrontation in Gurdaspur district on Monday, September 15, 2025, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was prevented by Punjab Police from visiting Toor, a flood-affected border village across the Ravi river. The incident, which sparked outrage among Congress leaders, occurred during Gandhi’s tour of Punjab to meet flood victims in Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts, including Ghonewal and Gurchak villages.

Congress leaders, including Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, alleged that the police cited vague “security concerns” to block Gandhi’s visit. A video circulating on social media captured Gandhi challenging a senior police officer, questioning the decision. “You are telling me that you cannot keep me safe on Indian territory. That is what you are saying,” Gandhi said, pointing toward the village. “Is it not India?” he pressed, accompanied by Warring and MP Sukhjinder Randhawa. The officer insisted they were prepared to protect him, but Gandhi countered, “You are saying that is India, and you cannot protect me in India.”

The incident drew sharp criticism from Congress leaders, who accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government of using “flimsy security pretexts” to avoid accountability. Senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa called the move “shameful and insensitive,” alleging it was a political decision to shield the government from scrutiny over its handling of flood relief. “These are our people, our fellow Indians. Just because they live near the border does not make them less deserving of help,” Bajwa said.

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Channi revealed that Congress had been running a medical camp in Toor for three days, and Gandhi’s visit was meant to assess the villagers’ needs. “It is unfortunate that he was not allowed to meet people,” Channi told reporters. Warring echoed the sentiment, questioning, “If Rahul Gandhi has a threat from Pakistan in India, then where are we safe?”

The controversy has intensified scrutiny on the Punjab government, with Congress alleging that both AAP and BJP leaders have failed to visit the flood-ravaged border villages. As tensions rise, the incident underscores broader concerns about access to relief and security for India’s border communities.

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