Internal divisions within the Congress party's district unit in Ludhiana have once again come to the forefront. On Saturday, when the state unit of the party called for protests across Punjab against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government by symbolically disassembling brooms, local leaders appeared divided in their response.
Mixed Response to Protest Call
While Congress workers and leaders in the Ludhiana East and Central constituencies held demonstrations, no such protest was organized in other constituencies, indicating a lack of unity within the district unit. Although none of the leaders openly spoke about the division, it was evident that the call given by Punjab Congress Chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring for protests was not endorsed by all party leaders.
The Congress had announced the unique protest to oppose the detention of a party worker for allegedly disrespecting the AAP election symbol 'broom' in Hoshiarpur's Tanda. The party leadership decided to replicate this symbolic act across the state as a protest against the ruling AAP for its failure to curb law and order, ensure the safety of minor girls, and control gang wars, among other issues.
Leaders Skip Protests
District Congress Committee president Sanjay Talwar stated that demonstrations were held in Ludhiana in line with the party's call. However, senior leaders, including Bharat Bhushan Ashu in Ludhiana West and Rakesh Pandey in Ludhiana North, did not organize any protest in their respective constituencies.
Talwar said, 'Congress leaders and workers held protests in various districts of Punjab. Broom bristles were scattered to give a symbolic message that the ruling party is heading towards a similar fate in the 2027 Assembly elections.'
However, a Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the party appeared divided on the issue. 'While some leaders came forward and organized protests, Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Rakesh Pandey stayed away. With the Assembly elections drawing closer, the divide within the cadre is becoming increasingly visible,' the leader said.
No Comments from Key Leaders
Despite attempts to reach them, Ashu and Simarjit Singh Bains were not available for comments. The protest, which was intended to showcase unity against the AAP government, instead highlighted the growing factionalism within the Congress party in Punjab.
