India General Elections 2024: Congress counts on Sidhu Moosewala fans

Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu known professionally as Sidhu Moosewala the renowned Punjabi rapper and singer continues to have a significant influence even after his untimely death at the age of 28 in 2022 As Lok Sabha elections continue his name has resurfaced prominently with politicians from the Congress party including his father actively campaigning and visiting villages in his memoryA billboard of Sidhu Moosewala in his hometown MoosaWhen midday visited Moosewalarsquos village Moosa in Mansa it was observed that it has become a tourist attraction Thousands of visitors come to see his memorial and haveli taking pictures and paying their respects Conversations with his friends and villagers reveal that Moosewalarsquos legacy has brought economic benefits to the area with many locals acknowledging that the villagersquos earnings have increased due to the influx of tourists Moosewalarsquos father Balkaur Singh during a campaigning trip for Congress contestant Sukhpal Singh Khaira of Sangrur constituency said ldquoIf the present Chief Minister of Punjab promises us that the people or gangsters will not kill anyonersquos son then I will take my case back My age is now 60 years Should I live my life at this age or fight for the case If CM doesnrsquot promise us then we can say everyone will have to die one day Then why shouldnrsquot I fight for the justice of my son and die This time your vote shouldnrsquot be cast to people who just talk the talk Think and vote for the right person to see change in PunjabrdquoSingh is mostly campaigning for the Congress party in Punjab and the partyrsquos candidates are using Moosawalarsquos pictures for campaigning on banners and posters Visitors to Moosa are often struck by the pervasive presence of his image with posters and memorabilia displayed prominently in shops hotels and various other establishments It mirrors the kind of adulation typically reserved for Bollywood stars There is a 65foottall statue near his farmland located just about 100 meters from his haveli The haveli itself has become a significant attraction with tourists interested in viewing Moosewalarsquos tractors imported cars and the SUV in which he was killedWith the increase in tourism locals have installed stalls near his house and near the statue selling merchandise such as Tshirts cups key chains caps and photos A shopkeeper told us ldquoThere are almost 20 shops now Earlier connectivity to the village was bad now that has improved as wellrdquo Kalanumberdar a classmate of Moosewala says ldquoHe was a simple man No one thought that he would become so famousrdquo Koki Moosewala who owns an sugarcane shop near Sidhursquos statue says they earning due to him ldquoHe was my friend and used to drink sugarcane juice at my shop Even after becoming famous he would spend time in the farms and crack jokes He is gone but his memory remains with usrdquo