The upcoming reshuffle in the Punjab Congress unit is part of a broader organizational overhaul that includes the expected replacement of AICC general secretary in-charge for Punjab, Bhupesh Baghel, alongside Rajasthan Congress in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. Randhawa, a former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and current Gurdaspur MP, remains a prominent contender for the post of state Congress chief, according to insiders on Sunday.
Leadership Changes and Deliberations
Baghel is expected to return to state politics in Chhattisgarh. The delay in announcing the Punjab Congress reset is linked to bringing clarity on the roles of these two senior leaders. Over the past few days, top state leaders have been holding deliberations with the party's central leadership in New Delhi.
A senior party leader said a formal announcement regarding a "structural reset" of the state unit is imminent. "The party high command is looking to strike a delicate balance between seniority and experience ahead of the Assembly elections," said the leader.
Contenders for State Chief Post
There are three contenders for the post of state Congress chief: Vijay Inder Singla, Charanjit Singh Channi, and Sukhjinder Randhawa. The party leadership does not want to ignore the Hindu leadership, as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), after appointing Aman Arora as Punjab unit head, is now focusing on the Hindu vote. "Whatever role Singla, Channi, Randhawa, and other leaders get, power will be balanced among the top leaders. No one is being projected as the CM face. The party will take a call on the CM only after the state leaders are able to bring the party to power," said a party source.
Sikh Vote and Akal Takht Edict
After the Akal Takht edict against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over a controversial video allegedly featuring him, the Congress leadership feels the Sikh vote—especially the Jat vote—cannot be ignored, as the issue is unlikely to settle down in the coming days. The party is keen to address community concerns ahead of the state elections due early next year.
