Chandigarh: Amidst ongoing internal differences within the Punjab Congress, the party high command is considering a leadership change within the state unit. There is a possibility of replacing state Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring before the 2027 assembly elections.
This move is being taken based on feedback received from party leaders and workers during a recent visit by the new Punjab Congress in-charge Sachin Pilot. Pilot held meetings with party leaders in Punjab as well as Delhi.
According to sources, during a recent video conference, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, and Sachin Pilot discussed the Punjab Congress leadership change. It is reported that Warring may be summoned to Delhi soon.
Decision may be made soon
According to sources, during the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in New Delhi on Wednesday, some Punjab leaders were given hints about a change in the state leadership. This message is also said to have reached the Warring camp.
A decision in this regard is likely to be taken in the coming days after another meeting between Pilot and Rahul Gandhi.
Names of these leaders in discussion
The party high command is considering handing over the reins of the Punjab Congress to a current or former MLA. The possibility of a Jat leader being chosen for the post of state president has not been ruled out.
The names of leaders being discussed include Pratap Singh Bajwa, former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi, former Minister and former MP Vijay Inder Singla, Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, MLA and former Indian hockey captain Pargat Singh, and MLA Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria.
However, no official announcement has yet been made by the Congress high command. The party has begun the second phase of organizational restructuring of the Punjab unit.
Pilot taking feedback from leaders and workers
Since assuming the responsibility of Punjab Congress in-charge, Sachin Pilot has been taking feedback from district presidents, party leaders, and workers. This exercise is being described as part of preparations to strengthen the organization ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
There are also plans to organize events across the state to reenergize party workers ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s proposed visit to Punjab.
One reason for the delay in the leadership change process in the Punjab Congress is said to be the party’s preoccupation with the nationwide protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Long-standing differences within the Punjab Congress
A section of Punjab Congress leaders has been demanding a change in the state leadership. Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has also been among the prominent leaders demanding organizational changes.
Differences between the Raja Warring and Channi camps have been in the news for some time. However, the two leaders have been seen together at some recent party events.
Sachin Pilot has been given the responsibility of handling organizational matters of the Punjab Congress and dealing with differences within the party.