Chandigarh/Ludhiana, August 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Sunday claimed that the Congress would return to power in Punjab in the 2027 Assembly elections and, on the strength of the party’s position in the state, Rahul Gandhi would become Prime Minister in 2029.
Addressing the Isru Shaheedi Conference in Ludhiana, Randhawa said the Congress would protect Punjab’s interests and asserted that the dignity of the state and its people would remain paramount.
“It is a question of Punjab’s turban, and we will not allow Punjab’s honour to be brought to disgrace. The dignity of Congress workers and the honour of Punjab are paramount,” he said.
Randhawa stressed the importance of party workers, saying no political organisation could return to power by ignoring its grassroots cadre.
“We have nurtured the Congress with our blood and sweat. If the Congress is standing strong in the state today, it is because of the contribution of every worker, not any one individual,” he said.
He said that, as a member of the Congress Working Committee, he and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi had a responsibility to strengthen the party in Punjab. According to Randhawa, Congress workers were looking towards the party with hope and expected it to politically challenge the BJP-led government at the Centre while safeguarding Punjab’s interests.
Referring to the previous Congress government’s 111-day tenure, Randhawa claimed its achievements were equivalent to 11 years of work. He said Congress leaders did not need certificates to establish their commitment to the party.
“We are Congressmen, and we do not need anyone’s certificate to prove that we are Congressmen. Congress is in our blood. Many presidents and positions come and go, but the Congress remains standing,” he said.
Randhawa calls for unity ahead of 2027 polls
Addressing factionalism within the Congress, Randhawa said internal differences should not come in the way of the party’s electoral objective. He noted that the Congress had witnessed major groups and disagreements in the past but had continued to face elections collectively.
“Factionalism and divisions can be dealt with later; first, we have to ensure the Congress wins,” he said.
Randhawa also criticised the Bhagwant Mann government over what he described as attempts to intimidate Congress workers. He warned that a politics of threats and pressure could not continue indefinitely and urged police officials to act impartially and according to law.
He cautioned officials against working under political pressure, saying those responsible could be held accountable in the future. He also said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should be judged by the people on the basis of his government’s performance.
Allegations over gangsterism and law and order
Randhawa further levelled allegations against the Mann government and the Central government over law and order and gangster activities.
He raised questions about alleged gangster operations and the use of mobile phones in prisons in Punjab as well as in BJP-ruled Rajasthan, Assam, Gujarat and Haryana.
Randhawa said that if the Congress returns to power, it would take strict action against gangsterism and deal firmly with criminals.
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