Punjab Congress infighting prompts overseas delegation to survey grassroots mood

A Congress delegation from the Indian Overseas Congress has quietly completed a grassroots assessment of Punjab's political mood amid deepening party infighting ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. The team, led by Ausuf Khan, avoided senior leaders to survey public sentiment. The delegation found the Congress retains a strong organisational base despite internal discord, but noted widespread concern among urban business communities over gangsterism, corruption, and insecurity. Many voters reportedly favour an experienced Hindu face over a Sikh candidate for chief minister, viewing this as more reassuring. The findings will be submitted to the Congress high command for deliberation. Veteran leader Darbari Lal criticised the exercise as "too late" and blamed the high command's indecisiveness for party confusion, citing past Hindu chief ministers and the tradition of state party presidents becoming chief ministers.