By Gurpartap Singh Mann
KC Venugopal came to Chandigarh to crack the organisational whip. His warning against indiscipline, irrespective of a leader’s stature, was accompanied by emphatic backing for Pargat Singh and a demand that district presidents perform or face removal. The message was necessary and timely. That it required such forceful delivery also exposed the limits of the party’s claims of unity.
All is still not well. A national party is entitled to supervise its organisation, but the repeated need for intervention, first through Sachin Pilot and now Venugopal, suggests that a durable working arrangement remains elusive. Venugopal reportedly urged leaders seated on either side of him to start talking to each other. Complete unity is evidently still some distance away.
Pargat’s appointment settled the succession without resolving the competing interests behind it. Reports of disappointment within sections of the Channi camp underline this difficulty. Those who pressed for Raja Warring’s replacement must accept the leadership chosen by the high command. Congratulating a new president must be followed by allowing him to function.
Warring, meanwhile, has surrendered the position without surrendering his network. In my assessment, many district presidents continue to look to him for political direction.
He has nurtured young leaders, and that is his long-term political wealth.
Congress should put these relationships to organisational use. Personal loyalties must accommodate institutional responsibility.
The controversy over welcome hoardings near Mohali airport, which omitted Pargat’s photograph, reinforced concerns about the transition. Warring denied differences with his successor. Even if a supporter put them up, the omission remains politically significant. Publicity welcoming a central leader should acknowledge the party’s state president.
The widely circulated SUV visuals added another dimension. Pilot was driving, Venugopal occupied the front passenger seat, and Partap Singh Bajwa, Warring, Channi and Pargat shared the crowded rear seat. The vehicle accommodated four senior leaders more successfully than the organisation has accommodated their ambitions. For a brief journey, at least, the factions had no room to keep their distance.
The intended display of togetherness gave AAP and BJP fresh ammunition. AAP used the images to question Delhi’s control over Punjab Congress. The episode offered the ruling party a convenient diversion from scrutiny of its governance. Congress needs to recognise that its internal conduct affects the credibility of its public arguments.
Venugopal’s backing must now translate into effective authority for Pargat. District presidents should be assessed on organisational work, public engagement and election preparedness. Senior leaders need defined responsibilities and credible channels for resolving grievances. Discipline will command respect when rules apply equally across factions.
Despite these difficulties, my assessment remains that Congress is ahead in Punjab’s electoral race. Its opportunity makes the continuing uncertainty particularly consequential. Public dissatisfaction with the incumbent will benefit Congress only if voters see a credible alternative capable of working together.
The manifesto must offer financially credible commitments on drugs, employment, agriculture and public services. Candidate selection will test whether declared unity survives disappointed ambitions. Quick and fair decisions, early ticket distribution, engagement with aspirants/rebels and firm action against sabotage will matter.
Venugopal has delivered the warning. Its effect will become evident when leaders must choose between individual ambitions and official candidates. Until then, unity remains an unfinished task.
Feedback and comments mann.gurpartap@gmail.com
- Gurpartap Singh Mann is a farmer and former Member of the Punjab Public Service Commission. He has earlier served as Chief General Manager, Punjab Infrastructure Development Board.
- An Engineer and MBA by qualification, he writes on governance, agriculture, and socio-political issues concerning Punjab.
He was earlier Spokesperson of Punjab Congress and founder Chairman of its Social Media Cell. - His father, S. Bhupinder Singh Mann, former Member of the Rajya Sabha, is a prominent Kisan leader and founder of the Bharti Kisan Union in Punjab and All India Kisan Coordination Committee at National Level.
October 29, 2026
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not necessarily represent the views or editorial position of YesPunjab.com, which accepts no responsibility for the opinions expressed herein.
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