Congress appoints observes for Punjab

Chandigarh: The Congress high command has appointed a three-member team of All India Congress Committee (AICC) observers to assess the political situation in Punjab and submit a report on the state unit, which has long been grappling with factionalism.According to an order issued by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal on Thursday, the observers are Ajay Maken, Meenakshi Natarajan and Bhajan Lal Jatav. The team has been tasked with assessing the current political scenario in Punjab and submitting a report to the party leadership.Sources in the party said the observers are expected to hold extensive consultations with senior functionaries and office-bearers in the state. They are also likely to interact with those who contested the 2022 Punjab assembly elections to gather their feedback on organisational challenges. The observers are expected to seek views on factionalism within the state unit and suggestions for strengthening the party unity ahead of the 2027 elections. They will also gather feedback from grassroots workers and local leaders on issues affecting the party's prospects in Punjab.The exercise is aimed at identifying shortcomings in the party's organisation and election strategy, understanding areas where the Congress has lagged behind its rivals, and seeking recommendations on measures required to improve its electoral prospects and prepare for the next assembly polls. A senior functonary said the excercise is expected to help the party leadership formulate its strategy for Punjab and address internal issues that have affected the party's performance in recent years.