The contest for Punjab Congress district presidents has sparked intense lobbying. This comes just days after the party high command asked leaders to end internal fights.
Under the new “Sangathan Srijan Abhiyan,” 29 observers, including MPs and ex-ministers, are gathering feedback from workers. They must keep OBC, minority, and regional factors in mind while shortlisting three to four names per district.
Factionalism remains strong. State chief Amrinder Raja Warring and Opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa are promoting their supporters. Former CM Charanjit Channi, Rana Gurjeet Singh, Pargat Singh, and Khushaldeep Dhillon are also backing their own men.
In Ludhiana, Warring’s clash with former working president Bharat Bhushan Ashu could heat up the battle. Muktsar, Warring’s home turf, looks easier for him. In Jalandhar Rural, Shahkot MLA Hardev Laddi Sherowalia has staked his claim, while Bajwa is supporting Phillaur MLA Vikramjit Chaudhary.
Kapurthala sees divided opinions. MLAs Sukhpal Khaira and Balwinder Dhaliwal want ex-MLA Navtej Cheema, but Rana Gurjeet has not shown his hand. In Hoshiarpur, Daljit Gilzan and Vishwanath Bunty are in the race.
