New Delhi: Newly appointed Congress in-charge of Punjab, Sachin Pilot, is set to visit the state later this week as the party leadership looks to resolve internal differences and bring unity among faction-ridden state leaders. Before beginning his Punjab assignment, Pilot is expected to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi.
Pilot's appointment as AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab has already triggered a positive response from several senior Congress leaders in the state. Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who had earlier opposed the continuation of Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as Punjab Congress chief, have assured Pilot of their full cooperation.
The support from rival factions is being seen as a significant development ahead of Rahul Gandhi's proposed six-day Punjab visit after September 15. The Congress leadership is aiming to present a united front before the upcoming political challenges in the state.
Fresh strategy in Punjab
Pilot's appointment is being viewed as a strategic move by the Congress high command to address dissatisfaction among Punjab leaders. Several party leaders had earlier raised concerns over former state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel's alleged closeness with incumbent Punjab Congress Committee chief Raja Warring.
Political circles believe Pilot's arrival could lead to major organizational changes in the Punjab unit, including possible restructuring of the PCC leadership.
A senior Congress leader said Pilot's role could prove crucial in bringing different factions together and strengthening the party ahead of Rahul Gandhi's Punjab tour. Leaders like Channi and Randhawa, who had earlier expressed differences over Warring's continuation, have welcomed the decision.
Punjab connect of Pilot
Sachin Pilot, one of Congress' prominent young OBC leaders, comes from neighboring Rajasthan and is considered familiar with Punjab's political landscape. His connect with the Gujjar and other OBC communities in Punjab is also seen as an advantage for the party.
The son of veteran Congress leader Rajesh Pilot, Sachin Pilot carries a strong political legacy. His father had played an important role in maintaining communication between the Center and various groups in Punjab during the period following the 1985 Rajiv-Longowal Accord.
According to leaders close to the Pilot family, Sachin often accompanied his father during high-level visits to Punjab, gaining early exposure to the state's political challenges. With Pilot taking over as Punjab in-charge, the Congress now hopes to overcome internal differences and prepare the party organization for upcoming electoral battles.