As per a report in a daily vernacular, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has repeatedly spoken about identifying alleged "sleeper cells" within the party, while AICC general secretary and Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel has also stressed the need to strengthen the organisation before the next Assembly elections.

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Speaking at party meetings, Raja Warring has reiterated that internal issues contributed significantly to the Congress defeat in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections.

He alleged that leaders who were not fully committed to the party weakened its electoral prospects. Referring to former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar, Warring described him as a "sleeper cell" and claimed such elements played a major role in the party's defeat.
"The Congress leadership does not want a repeat of that situation in 2027 and is working to identify leaders who may not be fully aligned with the party, says Warring.

'Sleeper cells' may not get election tickets

Raja Warring said the party was preparing to identify leaders who were allegedly maintaining links with rival political parties. "Anyone found working against the interests of the Congress would not be considered for an Assembly ticket, irrespective of their political stature," he said.

Congress likely to promote new faces

Another major message from Raja Warring is the party's focus on introducing a new generation of leaders. He said Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly asked the Punjab leadership to prepare dedicated young leaders who could strengthen the organisation in the long run.

Warring recalled that he had earlier proposed giving nearly 70% of Assembly tickets to new faces, adding that the party now intended to move away from repeatedly fielding the same candidates.

He also argued that in the 2022 elections, several experienced leaders lost while many first-time candidates from AAP emerged victorious, showing that voters were ready for change.

One family, one ticket formula

The Punjab Congress also plans to implement a "One Family, One Ticket" policy during the next Assembly elections. Under the proposed formula, multiple members of the same political family are unlikely to receive tickets simultaneously.

Turncoats may find it difficult to get tickets

The Congress leadership has also indicated that leaders who frequently switch political parties may not be preferred during ticket distribution.

He said speculation about divisions is being exaggerated by sections of the media and a few individuals, while maintaining that all leaders are committed to working under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.

Addressing a press conference in Fatehgarh Sahib, Baghel said he has already met all senior Congress leaders in Punjab, including former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, and has submitted his assessment to the party high command.

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He maintained that there is no reason to read differences into the activities of senior leaders, as everyone is working towards the same political objective.

Responding to questions about former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring attending separate programmes in Barnala and Faridkot, Baghel said both leaders are carrying out their respective organisational responsibilities.

He added that despite different schedules, the leaders stand together in support of those who were injured during the recent alleged lathi-charge on students.