Rana Gurjit Singh's Bold Move: Open Challenge to Congress High Command
Sultanpur Lodhi (The Uttam Hindu): In a significant political development in Punjab, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Opposition Leader Pratap Singh Bajwa are set to hold a rally on the holy land of Sultanpur Lodhi on April 5. This move is being seen by many as a new twist in the ongoing rivalry between senior Congress leaders, particularly with Rana Gurjit Singh. Despite the speculation, Warring downplayed the issue, calling the rally part of the party's 'Judega Block, Jeetgi Congress' campaign.
However, in a counter-move, Rana Gurjit Singh has organized a separate rally, alongside the Congress event, for his son, independent MLA Rana Indrapratap Singh. The rally, named 'Nayi Soch-Navan Punjab,' is raising questions about Gurjit’s intentions. Locals have started to question whether Rana Gurjit Singh is undermining the party in an attempt to block its chances of securing power in the 2027 elections.
The rift has grown more evident with Rana Gurjit Singh's previous criticisms of the state party leadership, where he called Warring a 'selfish leader' and expressed his ambition to lead the party in Punjab. This friction escalated after the Congress high command intervened, with Bhupesh Baghel, the General Secretary and Punjab In-charge of the All India Congress Committee, urging party leaders to keep their differences private. However, despite this intervention, tensions continue to rise within the state Congress, with no clear resolution in sight.
Adding fuel to the fire, Rana Gurjit Singh’s son, Rana Indrapratap, who is an independent MLA from the area, is also being accused of undermining his own party. He previously won the 2022 assembly elections from the region. This raises the question of whether Rana Gurjit Singh is preparing to shift allegiance, possibly joining the BJP ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, the upcoming rally in Sultanpur Lodhi is attracting significant attention, as it follows a rally held by Rana Gurjit Singh in Muktsar on March 11. Both rallies seem to be part of a growing divide within the Punjab Congress as the party struggles with internal conflicts. Former Congress MLA Navtej Singh Cheema, who lost the 2022 election to Rana Gurjit’s son, has claimed that Bhulath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira might also attend the rally. Khaira, a known critic of Rana Gurjit, further complicates the situation.
As the political drama unfolds in Punjab, all eyes are on the Congress high command to see what action, if any, will be taken against Rana Gurjit Singh. Will he remain loyal to the party or will his growing discontent push him toward a different political future?
Other News Highlights from Punjab:
Fire in Slums: A massive fire broke out in a slum area, causing widespread panic and chaos.
Clothes Showroom Blaze: A terrible fire erupted in a clothing showroom, with dramatic images from the scene circulating online.
New Work Restrictions: A new ban on certain work activities between 7 am and 9 pm has been imposed in Punjab for public safety.
Rana Gurjit Singh and His Political Future
There’s growing speculation that Rana Gurjit Singh's actions—challenging the Congress leadership—could indicate a future shift toward the BJP. Sources suggest that the former minister is increasingly at odds with party directives, and his public defiance could suggest that the BJP may be positioning itself as an alternative for him. However, it remains to be seen whether this is just a tactical move or a genuine pivot in his political career.
The political climate in Punjab remains tense as Congress leaders face increasing division and Rana Gurjit Singh's next move is a subject of considerable speculation. With the 2027 elections looming large, the outcome of this ongoing internal struggle will have a significant impact on the state’s political landscape.
