Congress tackles Punjab divisions ahead of Gandhi's planned yatra

Congress party leadership convened discussions on deepening rifts within its Punjab organization, seeking to chart a course ahead of Rahul Gandhi's proposed nationwide yatra. The high-level talks reflected growing concerns over internal party coherence in a state that remains strategically significant for the opposition outfit.

The deliberations centered on bridging ideological and organizational differences that have marked the Punjab unit in recent months. Party strategists view the upcoming yatra as a crucial opportunity to reinvigorate the Congress presence in the region and address grassroots grievances that have fueled factional disputes.

Separately, the leadership also examined potential administrative adjustments in Himachal Pradesh, where the party governs. Sources indicated that a possible Cabinet reshuffle was discussed to optimize ministerial performance and address regional representation concerns.

Party insiders suggested that the Congress leadership has adopted an aggressive stance on recent incidents to demonstrate responsiveness to minority community concerns, particularly those of Dalit groups and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. The move is seen as an attempt to consolidate support among key constituencies ahead of the leadership's planned engagement with voters across the region.

The meetings underscored the Congress party's efforts to stabilize its organizational structure in northern India while preparing for an intensified campaign phase under Gandhi's direct leadership.