Q. The Punjab Congress is once again witnessing public differences among senior functionaries ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. Why do such differences repeatedly surface at crucial political moments?Congress is a democratic party where functionaries have the freedom to express their views. Before every major election, there are naturally discussions and expectations regarding organisational responsibilities. Differences of opinion should not be mistaken for divisions. What is important is that these issues are resolved through dialogue, and I am confident that the party will emerge united because our larger objective is to provide Punjab with a credible alternative to the failed AAP govt. Q. There is a perception that leadership ambitions often overshadow the party’s larger objective of returning to power. How do you respond to that criticism? Every leader has aspirations, and there is nothing unusual about that in a democratic organisation. However, no individual’s ambition can be bigger than the interests of the Congress or the people of Punjab. I believe every leader understands that defeating the AAP govt and rebuilding Punjab is our foremost responsibility. Q. How will the party address the public perception that the Congress is a fractured house? The best way is through collective action. Congress has capable leadership at every level. Once the issues that have caused unease are resolved, the entire party will work together. The public will judge us not by temporary differences but by our united campaign and our vision for Punjab. Q. Many are drawing parallels with the run-up to the 2022 assembly elections, when differences between Capt Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu dominated the political discourse. Are you concerned that history is repeating itself? Every political situation has its own context. We have learnt lessons from the past. Today, there is complete awareness within the party that internal issues must not overshadow people’s issues. Punjab is facing serious challenges, and our priority is to focus on governance failures rather than internal debates. Q. The Charanjit Singh Channi camp has openly sought a review of the organisational appointments, and some members have demanded the removal of PPCC president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. How serious is this challenge to the current leadership? I would not describe it as a challenge or a demand by any camp, but as concerns expressed by a section of leaders. In Congress, everyone has the right to convey their views to the high command. Such matters should be resolved through discussion within the organisation and not through prolonged public debate or defiance. Q. The Congress high command finalised the election-related committees after several rounds of consultations. Why do you think the appointments have still failed to satisfy a section of senior leaders? Consultations involve many viewpoints, but it is ultimately for the high command to take the final decision. Naturally, not every expectation can be accommodated. The responsibility of every Congress worker is now to respect the decision while continuing to strengthen the party and raise issues within the organisation rather than making them public. Q. Why didn’t the high command see this coming? Is there a gap or disconnect between the state unit and the central leadership? I do not believe there is any disconnect. The high command held extensive consultations before taking its decision. In a large political organisation, differences of opinion are inevitable. What matters is maintaining continuous communication, and I believe that process is underway. Q. Do you believe the appointments adequately reflect regional, social and political balance across Punjab? Every organisational exercise can always be improved. Punjab has diverse regional and social realities, and every section should feel represented. If there are genuine concerns, they can certainly be discussed within the party. Q. Questions have been raised over the concentration of representation from districts such as Amritsar, while several districts in south-western Malwa have received no representation. Do these concerns have merit? Regional representation is an important consideration because every region has its own political dynamics. If some districts or sections feel underrepresented, those concerns deserve a hearing. I am sure the party leadership will take a balanced view while ensuring that every region contributes effectively to the election campaign. Q. Many leaders have argued that the appointments do not reflect the recommendations made during the consultation process. How do you respond to those concerns? Consultations are meant to gather feedback, not to guarantee that every recommendation will be accepted. The final responsibility rests with the Congress leadership. Once a decision is taken, organisational discipline requires all of us to work together. Q. Why do you think the Congress high command chose to continue with Warring as PPCC president and you as LoP despite demands for change from a section of the party? That question is best answered by the high command. I can only say that I have always respected the party’s decisions. Whatever responsibility the Congress entrusts me with, I will discharge it with complete commitment. Personal positions have never been my priority; strengthening the Congress has been. Q. What, in your opinion, is the quickest and most effective way to resolve the present impasse? Dialogue. Senior leaders should sit together, speak openly and honestly, and resolve all concerns internally. Unity cannot be imposed; it has to be built through mutual respect and communication. Q. With a few months to go before the assembly elections, how much damage could the current infighting cause to the Congress’s electoral prospects if it continues? Any prolonged internal disagreement can distract from the larger political battle. That is precisely why these issues should be resolved quickly. Punjab wants an alternative to the present govt, and we cannot afford to disappoint those expectations. Q. The Congress recently cornered the AAP govt over the video controversy purportedly featuring CM Bhagwant Mann. Do you think the internal discord has shifted the political narrative and given the ruling party breathing space? Inevitably, whenever internal issues dominate the headlines, the ruling party gets temporary relief. That is why I have consistently maintained that our focus must return to exposing the failures of the Mann govt on law and order, drugs, finances and governance. Those are the issues that matter to Punjabis. Q. What message would you like to give to Congress workers? I want to assure every Congress worker that the party’s strength has always been its dedicated cadre. They should remain focused on connecting with the people. We will resolve organisational issues, and together we will fight united to bring the Congress back to power. Q. You have said that dialogue is the only way forward. Have you spoken separately to both Channi and Warring, and are they receptive to reconciliation? I believe such conversations should remain confidential. As senior leaders, it is our responsibility to keep communication channels open. My effort has always been to promote dialogue and strengthen unity within the party. Q. If the Congress high command does not revisit the organisational appointments, do you believe all leaders will still work together for the 2027 elections? I sincerely believe every Congress leader understands the importance of this election. Ultimately, our commitment is to the party and to Punjab. I expect everyone to respect the high command and work collectively after discussing any concerns within the organisation. Q. Should the Congress declare its chief ministerial face well before the 2027 assembly elections, or should that decision be left until after the polls? That is entirely the prerogative of the Congress high command. At present, our focus should be on strengthening the organisation, exposing the failures of the AAP govt and winning the confidence of the people. Leadership decisions will be taken at the appropriate time. Q. Finally, what is your biggest concern for the Punjab Congress today: leadership issues, organisational cohesion, or presenting a credible alternative to the AAP govt? My biggest concern is ensuring that the Congress presents itself as the strongest and most credible alternative to the AAP govt. Organisational unity is important because it helps us achieve that goal. Punjab today needs responsible leadership, effective governance and a govt that can restore public confidence. That is where our entire focus should remain.
