In a strategic move aimed at bolstering its electoral prospects in Punjab, the Congress party unveiled four more names for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on Monday placing its bets on seasoned heavyweights to vie for key constituencies across the State. With this, the party has declared candidates for 12, out of total of 13 seats, holding back the announcement for Ferozepur.

Leading the charge is Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who has thrown down the gauntlet against the party defector Ravneet Singh Bittu in Ludhiana. The face-off between former allies turned rivals is set to add an intriguing twist to the electoral narrative, promising a riveting contest for voters in Ludhiana, turning it into a hot seat.

Warring, a seasoned political stalwart and former Transport Minister in the Congress Government, hails from Giddarbaha and boasts a three-time MLA record. His decision to contest against BJP’s Ravneet Singh Bittu, a former ally turned opponent, underscored the Congress’ determination to reclaim lost ground in Ludhiana and make significant inroads in the region.

Former Deputy Chief Minister and Congress stalwart Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has emerged as the party’s chosen candidate for the crucial Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat. With a formidable track record and deep-rooted connections within the constituency, Randhawa’s candidacy signals Congress’ intent to mount a strong challenge in a traditionally competitive battleground.

Despite considerations for former Minister Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa and former MLA Brindermeet Singh Pahra, the Congress ultimately placed its trust in Randhawa to carry its banner forward in Gurdaspur. Randhawa will face off against BJP’s Dinesh Babbu, SAD’s Daljit Singh Cheema, and AAP’s young Turk Amansher Singh Sherry Kalsi in what promises to be a closely contested electoral battle.

Currently represented by Bollywood actor BJP’s Sunny Deol, the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat holds strategic significance for all parties involved. In the backdrop of the AAP’s sweeping victory in the 2022 assembly elections, Gurdaspur is the only area where the party failed to perform well.

Interestingly, the party had also considered the candidacy of the Leader of the Opposition in Vidhan Sabha and former MP Partap Singh Bajwa for Gurdaspur. However, Bajwa declined the offer, citing his commitment to state politics.

Adding further depth to its lineup, the party has nominated former Sangrur MP and party’s prominent Hindu face Vijay Inder Singla to retain Anandpur Sahib constituency — currently represented by former Union Minister Manish Tewari, who has been shifted to Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat. Singla’s experience and political acumen make him a formidable contender, poised to make significant inroads in the constituency.

Here, Singla will square off against formidable opponents, including SAD's Prem Singh Chandumajra and AAP's Malvinder Singh Kang. With the BJP yet to announce its candidate for this crucial seat, the contest promises to be closely watched by political observers.

Singla, a former MP, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having served as a PWD Minister in the erstwhile Congress Government. Despite an unsuccessful bid for the Sangrur assembly seat in 2022 Punjab elections, Singla’s stature as a seasoned politician remained intact, bolstering Congress's prospects in Anandpur Sahib.

The decision to field Singla over other contenders, including former Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu, underscored the party's strategic considerations. With a sizable Hindu population in the constituency, Singla's candidacy is seen as a strategic move to consolidate support across diverse demographics.

Meanwhile, Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjit Singh had also harboured aspirations for Anandpur Sahib seat on behalf of his son and independent MLA Rana Inder Partap Singh. However, the party's leadership opted to offer him the Khadoor Sahib seat, a decision he declined. In light of this, the party has entrusted former MLA and Warring’s close associate, Kulbir Singh Zira, with the responsibility of contesting from Khadoor Sahib.

Zira’s grassroots connect and astute understanding of local issues position him as a strong contender, ready to champion Congress’ cause in the constituency, replacing the sitting MP Jasbir Singh ‘Dimpa’ Gill. Zira will face AAP’s Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, BJP’s Manjit Singh Manna Mianwind, SAD’s Virsa Singh Valtoha and Sikh radical preacher Amritpal Singh, who is contesting as an Independent.

Congress’ candidate lineup for the June 1 general elections is nearly complete, with announcements made for 12 out of the 13 seats in Punjab. The only exception is the Ferozepur constituency, where former MP Sher Singh Ghubaya has emerged as a frontrunner. However, sources indicate that the Congress has extended an invitation to a former minister, who recently joined the BJP, urging him to reconsider his decision and return to contest from Ferozepur.

The names were finalized at the party’s Central Election Committee meeting held on Saturday. The Congress ticket distribution strategy reflected a nuanced approach, with emphasis on inclusivity and representation. The party has fielded candidates from diverse backgrounds, including Sikh and Hindu leaders, to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters and consolidate its support base across Punjab. It also underscored Congress’ meticulous planning and strategic foresight in its bid to regain political dominance in Punjab.

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Congress Candidates for June 1 Lok Sabha Poll in Punjab