Rahul Gandhi’s Entry Before Rana Gurjeet, Bharat Bhushan Ashu Leave Stage, Factionalism Exposed in Punjab Congress

November 6, 2026

Sangrur: Senior party leaders appeared on stage at the Punjab Congress’s Sangrur Insaaf rally, attempting to convey a message of unity. However, ongoing factionalism and resentment among the party leaders also became apparent. Former cabinet minister Rana Gurjit Singh and Bharat Bhushan Ashu left the stage before Rahul Gandhi arrived. The two leaders were not seen on stage again afterward. This development has raised questions about claims of all being well within the Punjab Congress.

According to party sources, seats in the first row of the stage were not reserved for Rana Gurjit and Bharat Bhushan Ashu. Disgruntled, the two leaders left the stage.

Bharat Bhushan Ashu kept searching for a seat with his name on it on the stage

During the rally, Bharat Bhushan Ashu arrived on stage and began searching for a slip with his name on the front row of chairs. It is reported that a total of 25 chairs were placed on the stage, but he did not find a slip with his name on any of them. He then went and sat in the second row. Shortly after he sat down, former minister Rana Gurjeet Singh also arrived. The two leaders conversed briefly.

Had to get up from behind Rahul Gandhi’s seat

After some time, Bharat Bhushan Ashu got up again and, along with Sunder Sham Arora, went to look for his seat in the first row of the stage. He also did not find a seat with his name on it. He then went and sat directly behind the chair placed for Rahul Gandhi. However, a short while later, a leader asked him to get up.

Subsequently, Ashu, along with Sunder Sham Arora, descended from the stage. Rana Gurjeet had also left the stage earlier. Both leaders stood for some time in the D area below the stage, but later left there as well.

Both leaders had left the pandal by the time Rahul Gandhi arrived

It is reported that Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Rana Gurjeet had left the pandal before Rahul Gandhi arrived on stage. Even after Rahul Gandhi’s arrival, both leaders were neither seen on stage nor in the vicinity. Notably, despite playing an active role in the rally’s preparations, neither leader shared any photos or videos related to the rally on social media.

Earlier, Ashu and Rana Gurjeet had held a meeting with constituency in-charges at the Circuit House in Ludhiana regarding the rally’s preparations. Consequently, political discussions have intensified regarding the two leaders’ dissent during the rally.

Both leaders played a key role in Pargat Singh’s elevation to state president

Rana Gurjeet and Bharat Bhushan Ashu are considered important figures in the internal politics of the Punjab Congress. These two leaders, who stood with the Channi faction against Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, are also said to be close to Pargat Singh. After Pargat Singh became the state president, both leaders assumed important roles within the party.

Pargat Singh had also entrusted Ashu and Rana Gurjeet with important responsibilities to ensure the rally’s success. Despite this, the absence of both leaders from the stage at the rally attended by Rahul Gandhi raises several questions.

Kharge advised leaders to abandon factionalism and unite

Meanwhile, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge issued a message to Punjab leaders to maintain unity within the party. He stated that Congress faces a major battle to form a government in Punjab. Instead of showcasing their own image, leaders should focus on winning as many seats as possible.

Kharge also advised leaders to put aside their differences and petty issues and work together for the party’s victory. However, the events that unfolded during the Sangrur rally have once again brought the ongoing internal strife within the Punjab Congress into the spotlight.