Ahead of key Assembly elections, the Congress has reshuffled its organisational leadership in several states, appointing Sachin Pilot as Punjab in-charge, Bhupesh Baghel as Assam in-charge and Randeep Singh Surjewala as Gujarat in-charge.
New Delhi: The Congress has carried out a major organisational reshuffle ahead of crucial Assembly elections, appointing senior leader Sachin Pilot as the party’s new AICC General Secretary in-charge of Punjab. Pilot replaces former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who has now been assigned responsibility for Assam.
The changes come at a politically significant time, particularly in Punjab, where the Congress is preparing for the 2027 Assembly elections amid continued internal differences within the state unit.
Sachin Pilot Takes Charge of Punjab
Sachin Pilot, who was earlier serving as the Congress in-charge of Chhattisgarh, will now oversee party affairs in Punjab.
His appointment comes ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections and amid reported factional differences within the state Congress. The party is expected to focus on strengthening its organisation, improving coordination among senior leaders and preparing its electoral strategy in the run-up to the polls.
Pilot’s appointment is also significant because of his previous experience in handling organisational and political responsibilities within the Congress.
Bhupesh Baghel Shifted to Assam
Bhupesh Baghel, who had been handling Punjab affairs, has been moved to Assam as AICC General Secretary in-charge.
Baghel had been tasked with strengthening the Punjab organisation and addressing differences among senior leaders. However, reports have highlighted continued factional tensions within the state unit during his tenure.
The Congress has now entrusted him with the responsibility of Assam, another strategically important state for the party.
Sukhdeo Bhagat Gets Chhattisgarh
With Sachin Pilot moving to Punjab, the Congress has appointed Sukhdeo Bhagat as the new party in-charge of Chhattisgarh.
Bhagat, a senior Congress leader from Jharkhand and a Lok Sabha member from Lohardaga, will now oversee the party’s organisational affairs in Chhattisgarh.
The change marks another important organisational transition for the Congress in the state.
Randeep Singh Surjewala Gets Gujarat
The Congress has also appointed Randeep Singh Surjewala as the AICC General Secretary in-charge of Gujarat.
Surjewala will continue to handle Karnataka as well, giving him responsibility for two important states. Gujarat is scheduled to hold its next Assembly election in 2027.
Other Key Appointments
The Congress has made several other changes as part of the reshuffle.
| State | New Congress In-Charge |
|---|---|
| Punjab | Sachin Pilot |
| Assam | Bhupesh Baghel |
| Chhattisgarh | Sukhdeo Bhagat |
| Gujarat | Randeep Singh Surjewala |
| Maharashtra | Dr. Sirivella Prasad |
| Andhra Pradesh | P. V. Mohan |
The party said the appointments have been made with immediate effect. Mukul Wasnik will continue as a Congress General Secretary.
Punjab Congress Faces Internal Challenges
The change in Punjab comes against the backdrop of prolonged internal differences within the state Congress.
The party has faced tensions involving different senior leaders and factions, with reports particularly pointing to differences between supporters of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and the camp associated with Punjab Congress leadership.
The high command has been under pressure to strengthen coordination within the state unit ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The appointment of Pilot is therefore being viewed as an attempt to bring fresh leadership and organisational focus to Punjab.
Pilot’s Political Experience
Sachin Pilot is a prominent Congress leader from Rajasthan. He has served as a Union Minister of State and was Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan from 2018 to 2020.
He has also represented Tonk in the Rajasthan Assembly and has held several important organisational positions within the Congress.
His new Punjab assignment gives him responsibility for a state where the party is looking to rebuild internal unity and strengthen its electoral campaign ahead of the 2027 polls.
Why the Reshuffle Matters
The latest changes indicate that the Congress is seeking to align its organisational leadership with the political challenges expected in the coming Assembly election cycle.
Punjab will be particularly important because the party faces the twin challenges of electoral competition and internal factionalism. Gujarat, meanwhile, remains a key organisational battleground for the Congress.
The appointment of experienced leaders such as Pilot, Baghel and Surjewala suggests that the party is relying on senior leadership to strengthen its state-level organisations ahead of major political contests.
Key Takeaways
- Sachin Pilot has been appointed Congress General Secretary in-charge of Punjab.
- Bhupesh Baghel has been shifted from Punjab to Assam.
- Sukhdeo Bhagat will take charge of Chhattisgarh.
- Randeep Singh Surjewala has been given Gujarat in addition to Karnataka.
- Dr. Sirivella Prasad will handle Maharashtra.
- P. V. Mohan has been appointed in-charge of Andhra Pradesh.
- The changes come ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections and amid organisational challenges in several states.
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