The Punjab Congress Party, once a dominant force in the state’s political landscape, is today struggling to present a united front. The party’s internal divisions, factionalism, and leadership conflicts have not only weakened its electoral chances but also demoralized the grassroots workers who were once its backbone. As 2027 approaches, a serious question looms: can the Punjab Congress reclaim power amidst growing internal groupism?
Currently, the Punjab Congress is deeply fragmented into multiple camps, each led by prominent leaders with competing ambitions. These internal rivalries are eroding the credibility of the party and confusing the voters who are desperately looking for a strong and unified opposition to counter the Aam Aadmi Party.
Amarinder Singh Loyalists, though significantly reduced after the Captain’s departure to the BJP, still hold some sway in the background. A few senior Congress leaders quietly continue to follow his old-school leadership model, maintaining an undercurrent of resistance to the new leadership.
Navjot Singh Sidhu’s camp was once seen as a force of change within the Congress, especially among younger leaders. While Sidhu remains a charismatic figure, his inconsistency and prolonged silence following the party’s defeat in 2022 have weakened his internal position. Nevertheless, his unpredictable style still makes him a wildcard in Punjab politics.
Partap Singh Bajwa, the current Leader of Opposition, has gradually consolidated his position. Backed by experienced MLAs and party functionaries, Bajwa’s group is focused on discipline and performance inside the Vidhan Sabha. He is seen as a mature strategist who could lead the party if given a clear mandate.
Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, the former Deputy CM, leads another faction that is more rooted in rural and cooperative politics. He has a good base in border districts and among farmers, but lacks state-wide appeal. Randhawa is positioning himself as someone capable of bringing back traditional Congress values, especially among rural voters.
Charanjit Singh Channi, who made history as Punjab’s first Dalit CM, still carries symbolic significance. However, his influence has diminished after the 2022 elections where Congress performed poorly under his leadership. While he still enjoys some support among Dalit communities, he lacks a strong organized group to back him.
The exit of Sunil Jakhar dealt another blow to the party. As a moderate face who could connect Brahmin and Jat Sikh voters, Jakhar’s departure left a strategic vacuum in the party’s leadership. His defection to BJP took away not just experience but also a portion of Congress’s traditional centrist voter base.
This deep-rooted groupism has led to several negative outcomes. The party’s public messaging has become diluted, its electoral strategy disjointed, and the morale among local workers is at an all-time low. With different leaders pushing their personal agendas, the Congress struggles to present itself as a viable alternative to the AAP government.
So, can Punjab Congress return to power? The answer depends on whether it can overcome its internal divisions. If the party leadership can unite behind a strong, credible CM face, strengthen its grassroots network, and offer a real alternative to Punjab’s voters, there’s still hope. But if factional battles continue, the road to victory will remain out of reach.
In conclusion, Punjab Congress stands at a political crossroads. Groupism is not new, but when ego and ambition overpower collective vision, parties begin to fall apart. Unless the Congress high command intervenes decisively and brings all leaders on the same page, the dream of forming the next government in Punjab will remain a distant reality.