For 2027 Punjab polls, Congress to craft strategy for each constituency

Chandigarh: With its eyes on the 2027 Punjab assembly elections, the Congress has begun formulating a constituency-specific strategy focused on strengthening organisational network, consolidating traditional support bases, and countering the growing political footprint of its rivals, particularly the BJP in select regions. The Congress high command had been holding deliberations with the state leadership in New Delhi to devise a strategy for the polls, backed by feedback from an internal assessment of the party's position across Punjab. According to sources, the exercise identified constituencies where the party remains organisationally weak, seats that require intensive political intervention, and areas where evolving political equations could pose fresh challenges.As part of the plan, the party intends to appoint active constituency in-charges and intensify grassroots public outreach campaigns in assembly segments where it is lagging. Emphasis is being laid on rebuilding booth-level organisational structures in constituencies where the party machinery has weakened or become inactive.Sources said the Congress leadership has categorised constituencies into multiple segments, including seats won by the party in 2022 that need to be defended, constituencies where it remains competitive but requires stronger mobilisation, seats likely to witness triangular contests, and segments that require extensive organisational rebuilding.The party is focusing on consolidating support in constituencies where it enjoys a traditional voter base but lost the election in 2022. Leaders have been asked not to take voter goodwill for granted and instead work to convert it into sustained and structured outreach programmes.A key area of concern discussed during the deliberations was the BJP's growing presence in parts of Punjab. While BJP remains a minor player in the state at present, Congress leaders emphasised the need to counter its rise in constituencies where it is emerging as a significant third force. Particular attention is being paid to the Kandi belt, comprising Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr and Ropar districts, where the BJP has sought to expand its influence.The BJP's statewide vote share rose from 6.6% in the 2022 assembly elections to 18.6% in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In the 2024 polls, the BJP finished first in 24 assembly segments, despite not winning a parliamentary seat. In comparison, Congress's vote share rose from 23% in 2022 to 26.3% in 2024. Both these figures pale in comparison to its showing in 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when its vote share was 40.1%. The BJP's traditional support base in Punjab is concentrated in urban constituencies with a sizeable Hindu population, particularly in and around Pathankot, Mukerian, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar and Batala. Congress leaders believe that strengthening the party's organisational presence and voter outreach in these areas will be crucial to preventing any further expansion of the BJP's electoral footprint.Candidate selection also figured prominently in the discussions. Sources said the party is likely to prioritise candidates with a strong local connect, organisational acceptability and a proven grassroots presence. In constituencies with a sizeable Hindu population, the focus is expected to be on leaders who enjoy broader support among those voters, while in scheduled caste reserved seats, preference will be given to influential SC leaders with strong community networks.The Congress is also seeking to consolidate its traditional support among SC voters and rural Jat Sikh communities, which have historically formed an important part of its electoral base. Party leaders believe that selecting credible candidates with deep roots in local communities will be crucial to regaining lost ground and mounting an effective challenge to the serving Aam Aadmi Party and the Shiromani Akali Dal in rural areas. MSID:: 131608959 413 |