Sachin Pilot meets Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi to discuss Punjab poll strategy

Days after being appointed Congress general secretary in-charge of poll-bound Punjab, Sachin Pilot on Tuesday met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and discussed the party’s strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Pilot met the two leaders at 10, Janpath, the residence of Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

Sources said the party’s upcoming programmes in Punjab and its election strategy were discussed during the meeting.

In a post on X after the meeting, Pilot thanked the Congress leadership for entrusting him with the responsibility of Punjab and expressed confidence that the party would return to power in the state.

“I am fully confident that with collective effort, a strong organisation, and the energy of our workers, the Congress will make a comeback to power in Punjab,” Pilot said.

He also said the party would work with “complete dedication and commitment” to protect and uphold the rights of all sections of society, including farmers and youth.

The Congress carried out a major organisational reshuffle on Saturday, appointing Pilot as general secretary in-charge of Punjab and replacing Bhupesh Baghel. Pilot had previously been in charge of Chhattisgarh, while Baghel has now been assigned Assam, replacing Jitendra Singh.

Punjab is scheduled to go to polls early next year. Pilot’s immediate challenge will be to address factionalism within the state unit and strengthen the organisation ahead of the elections.

The Congress has been facing internal differences in Punjab even as the AAP, BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal have stepped up their preparations for the polls. The party leadership has repeatedly stressed the need to strengthen organisational unity.

Pilot will also be tasked with devising a strategy to take on the ruling AAP as well as the BJP and SAD.

His appointment is being seen within the party as a renewed vote of confidence in his electoral strategy and ability to work across factional lines. Pilot has played key roles in the Congress’s campaigns in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh and was also involved in the party’s Kerala election strategy.

The Congress is seeking a comeback in Punjab and has placed its hopes on Pilot to help steer the party through the crucial election.