The Indian National Congress, once the dominant political force in Punjab, now finds itself plagued by internal disunity and a loss of direction. Despite being the principal opposition party in the state after the 2022 assembly elections, the Punjab Congress Committee (PCC) has failed to emerge as a coherent and effective opposition. While a few individual leaders continue to voice strong criticism of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the party as a whole appears fragmented, leaderless, and reactive rather than proactive.
Legacy of Factionalism
The roots of the Congress party’s disunity in Punjab go back several years. Long-standing factionalism has crippled the organization, with key leaders forming camps around their personal ambitions. The rivalry between leaders like Amarinder Singh, and Sunil Jakhar (now in the BJP) weakened the party from within. Even after Amarinder Singh’s departure, internal feuds continued to impact the unity and functioning of the party.
Absence of Unified Leadership
Since its defeat in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, the party has struggled to project a credible leadership. The lack of a commanding face to unite the various factions has allowed confusion and infighting to grow. While the Congress high command has made occasional interventions, they have often come too late or without addressing ground-level concerns.
In the absence of collective leadership, the opposition lacks coordination. Many of the senior leaders operate independently, often contradicting each other, further weakening the party’s public image.
Bright Spots: Pargat Singh and Sukhpal Singh Khaira
Amid the broader disarray within the Punjab Congress, a few leaders have consistently demonstrated commitment to public service and effective opposition. Notably, Pargat Singh and Sukhpal Singh Khaira, both sitting MLAs, have played vital roles in voicing people’s concerns and holding the government accountable.
Pargat Singh, a former hockey Olympian and ex-Education Minister, has built a reputation for his straightforwardness, administrative knowledge, and focus on education reforms. Even while out of power, he continues to raise critical issues concerning government schools, declining academic standards, and the need to protect Punjab’s youth from drugs and unemployment. He remains one of the few Congress leaders who speaks not just against the government but also offers constructive policy suggestions.
Sukhpal Singh Khaira, an articulate and vocal leader, has emerged as a fearless opposition voice, especially in the legislative assembly. Known for his strong stand against corruption, misuse of power, and political vendetta, Khaira has repeatedly questioned the AAP government’s lack of transparency and alleged interference by Delhi leaders in Punjab’s administration. Despite facing personal legal challenges—widely perceived as politically motivated—Khaira has not backed down from his role and continues to defend democratic values, civil liberties, and regional pride. His commitment to farmers’ rights, social justice, and freedom of speech has earned him respect beyond party lines.
Together, leaders like Pargat Singh and Sukhpal Khaira represent what the Congress could be: informed, brave, and grounded in public service. However, their efforts are often undermined by the lack of collective strategy and support from the rest of the party machinery.
Weak Party Infrastructure and Poor Communication
The Congress party in Punjab lacks a well-structured, grassroots organization. Many district units remain inactive or unmotivated, and there’s no clear coordination between the state leadership and block-level workers. This disconnect has resulted in missed opportunities to take a stand on public issues and organize protest movements.
In contrast, AAP has effectively used media and public outreach to build its narrative. The Congress, meanwhile, has failed to maintain a consistent presence in the public discourse. Leaders like Khaira and Pargat Singh often appear to be speaking as individuals, not as part of a united front.
Challenges From Rival Parties and an Uncertain Future
While Congress struggles internally, other political forces are gaining ground. The BJP is steadily building its presence, and traditional rivals like Shiromani Akali Dal are working to regain lost ground. Congress has not yet offered a clear political alternative or vision that can counter these challenges or inspire confidence among voters.
Many young and traditional Congress supporters remain confused about the party’s future. Some have drifted toward AAP due to lack of engagement, while others have been courted by rival parties. Without a strong leadership structure, internal unity, and grassroots energy, the Congress risks becoming irrelevant in Punjab’s fast-changing political landscape.
Conclusion: Time for Revival and Rebuilding
The Punjab Congress Committee still has capable, dynamic leaders like Pargat Singh, Sukhpal Khaira, and Partap Singh Bajwa, but their efforts alone cannot revive the party. What is needed is organizational overhaul, strong coordination, active engagement with people’s issues, and clear ideological direction. The Congress must stop relying on central interventions and instead empower its state leaders to take charge.
Punjab needs a strong opposition—and Congress still has the potential to play that role. But only a united, energetic, and grassroots-driven approach can help it regain credibility and trust among the people.