A day after he ruled out the possibility of leadership change in the Punjab State unit amid the ongoing power tussle, Congress party’s State in-charge Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday (July 9, 2026) said leaders voicing their opinion were unique to the Congress only as the party encourages debates and discussions.

“Unlike in other parties, it is not a one-way communication and command in the Congress. The Congress values and respects the seniority and contribution of each leader, which is acknowledged and rewarded at the right time,” he told media persons.

Mr. Baghel, who has been convening meeting here with party leaders and workers surrounding preparations for the Punjab Assembly elections 2027, expressed confidence about the party’s prospects of forming the next government in Punjab.

He said the Congress was on its way towards a comfortable victory in the coming elections. “The Aam Aadmi Party government had completely failed and people want to get rid of it as soon as possible,” he added.

He said the Bharatiya Janata Party’s presence on the ground remains marginal. “Even the BJP leadership knows it well and it is only making hoax claims so that their cadres and leaders don’t desert it ahead of the elections,” he said.

Asked about which leaders he will be meeting, Mr. Baghel said that he will be meeting every leader, as that is part of his brief. “The Congress was completely united in Punjab in its mission and purpose,” he said. Disgruntled party leaders, including former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is likely to meet Mr. Baghel on July 10.