Chandigarh: Congress general secretary and Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot arrived in Punjab on Tuesday, five months ahead of the Assembly elections, amid reported differences within the state unit.
Pilot is expected to join a Congress protest march outside the Punjab Congress Bhawan in Sector 15, Chandigarh, seeking justice for Gulzar Singh, who allegedly died by suicide after facing pressure following questions raised to Punjab minister Harpal Singh Cheema in Sangrur.
The Congress is demanding an FIR against Cheema and his dismissal from the Punjab cabinet in connection with the case.
The protest will also bring former chief minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi and Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring together on the same stage for the first time in around three months.
Pilot’s role in Punjab Congress under focus
Speculation over a possible change in the Punjab Congress leadership continues. Pilot, when asked in an interview about the possibility of replacing Warring as state party chief, did not give a clear yes-or-no answer.
Sources said Pilot may first assess the functioning of the party at the grassroots level during his Punjab visit before any decision is taken on organisational changes.
Meanwhile, Chandigarh Traffic Police has issued an advisory ahead of the protest. Traffic movement is expected to be affected from 11.30am between the Sector 15/16 light point and GMCH Sector 16 Chowk, as well as on Madhya Marg from GMCH Sector 16 Chowk to PGI Chowk.
Commuters have been advised to use alternative routes.
