India General Elections 2024: Congress counts on Sidhu Moosewala fans

Singer Sidhu Moosewala’s father Balkaur Singh with Congress contestant Sukhpal Singh Khaira of Sangrur constituency

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 memory.

A billboard of Sidhu Moosewala in his hometown, Moosa

When mid-day visited Moosewala's 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 Moosewala's legacy has brought economic benefits to the area, with many locals acknowledging that the village's earnings have increased due to the influx of tourists. Moosewala's father Balkaur Singh, during a campaigning trip for Congress contestant Sukhpal Singh Khaira of Sangrur constituency, said, "If the present Chief Minister of Punjab promises us that the people or gangsters will not kill anyone's 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 doesn't promise us, then we can say everyone will have to die one day. Then why shouldn't I fight for the justice of my son and die. This time, your vote shouldn't be cast to people who just talk the talk. Think and vote for the right person to see change in Punjab.".

Singh is mostly campaigning for the Congress party in Punjab, and the party's candidates are using Moosawala's 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 6.5-foot-tall 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 Moosewala's tractors, imported cars, and the SUV in which he was killed.

With the increase in tourism, locals have installed stalls near his house and near the statue selling merchandise such as T-shirts, cups, key chains, caps and photos. A shopkeeper told us, "There are almost 20 shops now. Earlier, connectivity to the village was bad, now that has improved as well." Kalanumberdar, a classmate of Moosewala, says, "He was a simple man. No one thought that he would become so famous." Koki Moosewala, who owns an sugarcane shop near Sidhu's statue, says they earning due to him. "He 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 us."