Congress stands together ahead of 2027 polls, say Punjab leaders

Senior Punjab Congress leaders met on Thursday (July 9) to project unity amid speculation over differences following the party's recent organisational reshuffle.

While acknowledging differing opinions, they maintained that the Congress remained united and committed to raising its voice against any threat to democratic principles as it prepares for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

Show of unity

The meeting was attended by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Pargat Singh, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Gurkirat Singh Kotli, Barindermeet Singh Pahra, and Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh.

Also Read: Punjab Congress crisis: Baghel holds meetings, assures 'everything will be fine'

After the meeting, Randhawa said it reflected the party's collective strength. "Today, Pargat Singh has given a clear message that there may be differences in opinions, but Congress stands together," he told reporters.

Pargat Singh said the party leadership was aware of the ongoing discussions and efforts were being made to resolve internal issues. "The party high command is in the loop. We are talking to resolve things," he said, adding that senior leaders would soon meet Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel to present their views.

'All is well'

Rana Gurjeet Singh described the discussions as a morale booster and said leaders had held a strategic meeting on the party's future course. "Congress party will not sit silently. We will raise our voice against anything that goes against democracy. The meeting today boosted my morale. We had a strategic discussion," he said as quoted by ANI.

Also Read: 'Being skilled is a flaw': Manish Tewari's cryptic post after Congress Punjab poll team snub

Dismissing reports of factionalism, Rana said, "Where is the deadlock? All is Well. No one is outside the purview of the High Command. Everything will be fine when the time comes."

The meeting comes amid speculation over the Punjab Congress leadership after the AICC retained Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as the state unit chief and appointed Channi as chairman of the campaign committee.

According to media reports, Channi and some supporters were unhappy with the reshuffle, although Warring insisted Channi remained fully committed to the party.

Leadership row

Earlier this week, Baghel ruled out any change in the state leadership, describing such decisions as not being "gudda-guddi ka khel" (child's play). He also said he would meet Channi and Randhawa after they skipped an earlier interaction.

Also Read: Baghel rejects change in Punjab Congress leadership: 'Not gudda-guddi ka khel'

Pargat Singh maintained that differences within the party were natural in a democracy.

"We are a team, and there is no problem," he said, stressing that the Congress' larger objective was to strengthen the organisation and return to power in the 2027 Assembly elections.

Randhawa also shifted focus to Punjab's governance challenges, alleging that organised crime and law-and-order issues required urgent attention.

(With agency inputs)