At Cong meeting for 2027 polls, leaders seek clarity on push for 70 young faces

Chandigarh: As Punjab Congress stepped up preparations for the 2027 assembly elections, internal discussions over a proposal to give tickets to 60-70 young faces figured prominently at a series of strategy meetings held in Chandigarh on Monday, with several leaders seeking clarity from party leadership.The meetings were attended by district committee presidents, MLAs, former candidates and other office-bearers, and were presided over by Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, along with other senior party leaders. The deliberations focused on organisational preparedness and electoral strategy for 2027.
During the discussions, some leaders sought clarification over remarks about introducing 60-70 young faces in the elections. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring had earlier stated that 70 young leaders could be given an opportunity in the 2027 polls. The statement was welcomed by Punjab Youth Congress president Mohit Mohindra, while former Punjab Youth Congress president Brinder Singh Dhillon publicly questioned the rationale behind the proposal.At the meeting, several leaders expressed apprehension such a move could impact their electoral prospects and influence among voters in their constituencies. They urged party leadership to ensure a clear system was put in place for the selection of candidates, with due representation to all sections of society and surveys conducted before finalising nominees for each seat.Emphasising on unity in a unit often perceived as faction-ridden, Baghel underlined the importance of maintaining discipline within ranks and working collectively towards the goal of winning the 2027 elections. The Punjab unit has witnessed internal differences in recent months, including a tiff involving Warring and former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi.Baghel directed party functionaries to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots. He asked district presidents and block leaders to intensify outreach in villages, towns and urban wards, reactivate booth-level committees, maintain regular interaction with workers, and address local grievances so that the party was visible on the ground. He emphasised coordination between senior leaders and grassroots cadres, periodic review meetings, and effective communication of the party's stand on key issues.During the meeting, the party also decided to launch a campaign against the proposed Indo-US trade deal, alleging it could adversely affect farmers, particularly in Punjab. The move will form part of the party's statewide agitation against the proposed agreement. Baghel asked leaders to reach out to the public and highlight what he described as shortcomings of the proposed trade pact. The state unit plans to raise the issue prominently in the run-up to the 2027 assembly elections.