The Congress high command has appointed Sachin Pilot as the party’s General Secretary in charge of Punjab, replacing Bhupesh Baghel at a politically crucial juncture, with the state Assembly elections due in early 2027. The change also comes ahead of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s proposed visit to Punjab.
Pilot’s appointment comes barely 24 hours after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi chaired a key meeting with Punjab’s senior leadership in Delhi to address the prolonged factionalism in the state unit. The leadership indicated that tough political and organisational decisions could be taken to resolve the impasse.
Baghel has been shifted to Assam as General Secretary in-charge, while Pilot will take charge of Punjab with the party preparing for a major organisational revamp. The Congress high command is also considering changes to the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC).
The appointments, approved by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, take immediate effect. The Punjab meeting was attended by Kharge, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, besides Rahul Gandhi.
According to party sources, the meeting considered several options to break the organisational deadlock in Punjab. Reports and feedback on senior state leaders, gathered independently by the high command, were also discussed.
Pilot’s appointment assumes significance as the Congress seeks to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 Assembly election amid intense infighting among its Punjab leaders. The party is also planning a proposed bus yatra led by Rahul Gandhi, which is expected to form a key part of its electoral preparations.
Sources said feedback gathered by Rahul Gandhi’s team indicated that his political appeal in Punjab remained intact despite the public differences among senior leaders. The proposed yatra is therefore being viewed as an opportunity to reconnect with workers and strengthen the party organisation ahead of the polls.
The high command has also examined the reasons behind the factionalism, including complaints that some senior leaders were pursuing individual political agendas.
