The leaders voicing their opinion were unique to the Congress: Punjab in charge of Baghel

Congress President and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. File | Photo credit: PTI

A day after ruling out a leadership change in the Punjab state unit, Congress party leader Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday (July 9, 2026) said that opinion leaders are unique to the Congress only because the party encourages debate and discussion.

“Unlike other parties, it is not one-way communication and command in Congress. Congress appreciates and respects the seniority and contribution of every leader, which is recognized and rewarded at the right time,” he told the media.

Convening a meeting with party leaders and workers here in connection with preparations for the 2027 Punjab elections, Mr. Baghel expressed confidence in the party’s prospects of forming the next government in Punjab.

He said that the Congress is on its way to a comfortable victory in the upcoming elections. “The Aam Aadmi Party government has completely failed and people want to get rid of it as soon as possible,” he added.

He said the Bharatiya Janata Party’s presence on the ground remains marginal. “Even the BJP leadership knows this well and is only making fraudulent claims so that their cadres and leaders don’t desert them before the elections,” he said.

Asked which leaders he would meet, Mr. Baghel said he would meet all the leaders as it was part of his brief. “The Congress was completely united in its mission and purpose in Punjab,” he said. Disgruntled party leaders, including former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, are likely to meet Mr Baghel on July 10.

Published – 10 Jul 2026 12:54 IST