CHANDIGARH: The Congress leadership on Saturday appointed Sachin Pilot as AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab, replacing Bhupesh Baghel, a day after Congress MP Rahul Gandhi chaired a meeting of the state party leadership in Delhi to find a way to end the bruising factionalism in the Punjab unit.Baghel has been given responsibility of Assam.Pilot’s appointment comes ahead of Rahul’s visit to Punjab, expected sometime after September 15.In fact, the state unit was preparing for Baghel to arrive on September 7 to prepare for Rahul’s visit when news broke of the reshuffle. He was also expected to participate in a protest on September 8.Both warring sides welcomed the change.Channi thanked the central leadership for the “important decision” and Warring congratulated Pilot, saying: “His energy and dynamism will for surely add vigour to the party ahead of assembly elections just a few months away.”Channi was silent on Baghel while Warring thanked the former Chhattisgarh CM for “guiding and mentoring Congress workers in the state”.Former deputy CM Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Channi’s close aide, said Pilot’s “leadership, experience, and strong connection with people” would give new strength and direction to Congress in Punjab.Pilot has been given the task of steering Punjab Congress through turbulent times.Baghel took over in Feb 2025, replacing Devender Yadav.
