Punjab BJP leader targets Congress over infighting, predicts poor performance in 2027

Punjab BJP leader Fatehjung Singh Bajwa on Sunday targeted the Congress over reports of infighting in its Punjab unit, claiming the party is "no longer even in the race" for the 2027 assembly elections and would do well to retain its existing seats.

"I have been in the Congress. The Congress is a party that faces no threat from external enemies. Its own members tear each other apart. Given the current situation in Punjab, I believe the Congress is no longer even in the race...I feel it would be a significant achievement if they could simply retain the 18 seats they previously held," Bajwa told ANI.

He also referred to allegations made by Congress leaders against the party's state leadership. "It is not the opposition saying this; it is Congress leaders themselves who claim that Raja Warring has compromised with Bhagwant Mann," he added.

Bajwa's remarks come amid reports of differences within the Punjab Congress after the party decided to retain Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as the state unit chief. Supporters of former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi have reportedly been seeking the post for him.

Rejecting reports of factionalism, AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel said there was "no resentment" within the party and asserted that Congress leaders were united ahead of the 2027 assembly polls.

"In these six days, I held meetings with many committees and held meetings regarding election preparations. I also visited the residences of various senior leaders and met them. The 2027 elections are drawing closer. I have taken all the leaders' experiences and suggestions regarding its preparation... There is no factionalism. All the workers and leaders want to have some responsibility in the 2027 elections," Baghel told ANI in Raipur.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said unity was crucial for the party ahead of the elections but stressed that there should be no "compromised leaders" within its ranks.