New Delhi, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday took a swipe at the Congress over its appointment of Sachin Pilot as the new party in-charge for Punjab, replacing former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, with BJP leaders saying the organisational reshuffle would not address the Congress’ deeper challenges.
BJP National Secretary Rohan Gupta described the changes as “musical chairs” and said the Congress needed to change its policies and intentions rather than merely reshuffle leaders and responsibilities.
Gupta also criticised the Congress governments in Karnataka, Telangana, Kerala and Himachal Pradesh, alleging that the party had failed to deliver on its promises.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said the reshuffle was an internal matter of the Congress but claimed it reflected problems within the party. He attributed the Congress’ electoral setbacks to what he described as “one family politics”.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai compared the Congress’ organisational approach to the British policy of “divide and rule”. Referring to Baghel’s tenure as Punjab in-charge, Sai said he had faced opposition in the state and that “Go Back” posters had been put up against him.
Punjab Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Harpal Singh Cheema also mocked Pilot’s appointment, saying the Congress’ Punjab unit had been weakened and would struggle to make an impact.
Congress leaders, however, welcomed the reshuffle and expressed confidence in Pilot. Congress MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla described him as an experienced and young leader who could connect with the Gen Z electorate and strengthen the party organisation in Punjab.
Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai called Pilot a “ground-level leader” with a strong understanding of people.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari rejected reports of lobbying within the Punjab unit, saying organisational changes were routine. He said Pilot’s proximity to Punjab through neighbouring Rajasthan could help him work more effectively, while Baghel’s new responsibility in Assam was also significant.
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