Punjab leaders have assured me of working collectively under Rahul ji and Kharge ji’s leadership, says Sachin Pilot

Sachin Pilot, the newly appointed Congress general secretary in charge of Punjab, met with Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Pilot takes on his new role facing the challenge of factionalism within the Punjab unit, primarily between ex-CM Charanjit Singh Channi and Pradesh Congress Committee chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Pilot, however, downplayed the situation, stating it was more of a difference in approaches rather than a clash.

Pilot assured the leaders that everyone in Punjab agrees the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) needs to be voted out, and Congress is the only viable option. He has spoken to most of the leaders in Punjab, who have assured him they will work collectively and unitedly under Rahul Gandhi ji and Mallikarjun Kharge ji's leadership to deliver the state.

Punjab faces significant challenges, including the drug menace, agrarian crisis, and a bankrupt state machinery. Pilot highlighted that Congress will have a responsibility to deliver in these areas. Former Chief Minister Channi was reportedly upset that he was not appointed PCC chief or projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate. Channi, however, assured Pilot of his full support for the party's efforts.

Pilot emphasized that the party must focus on addressing the drug issue, agrarian crisis, and creating an ecosystem conducive to industry, agriculture, employment generation, and adapting to new technologies. He also mentioned Rahul Gandhi's upcoming bus yatra in the state, with the shape, timelines, and destinations still being worked out.