New Delhi: The Congress high command has convened an emergency meeting of Punjab’s senior leadership in New Delhi on Friday, triggering fresh speculation about a possible organisational reshuffle in the state unit.
The meeting will be held at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence at 4 pm and will be attended by senior leader Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretary K. C. Venugopal and Punjab affairs in-charge Bhupesh Baghel.
According to party sources, the leadership is expected to review the political situation in Punjab and may discuss organisational changes, including the state party leadership. The high command is understood to be keen on taking senior leaders into confidence before any decision is made.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, former chief minister and MP Charanjit Singh Channi, MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and senior leader Vijay Inder Singla are expected to attend the meeting.
The development comes a day after the BJP announced a new state president in Punjab and as results of the urban local body elections are set to be declared.
The Congress leadership had earlier held a similar emergency meeting on January 22, when speculation over a leadership change had intensified. At that time, Venugopal had publicly ruled out any change in the Punjab unit and cautioned party leaders against factionalism and public infighting.
Notably, around 30 Punjab Congress leaders had sought time from the high command several months ago, a move that reportedly displeased the party leadership. During the January meeting, senior leaders were advised to avoid public statements that could fuel internal divisions.
With the party preparing for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, Friday’s meeting is being closely watched for indications of Congress’ future leadership and organisational strategy in the state.
