Congress appoints Sarkaria as Tarn Taran byelection in-charge amid factional tensions

The appointment of sitting Raja Sansi MLA Sukhbinder Sukh Sarkaria as election in-charge for the upcoming Taran Tarn byelection signals a rapprochement between the warring factions in the Punjab Congress. After the Ludhiana (West) byelection, where the Congress fared poorly due to open factionalism within the state unit, this move is seen as an effort to bridge the gaps. Historically, the Congress had a stronghold in the area, with Congress candidate Dharambir Agnihotri winning the seat in 2017. However, in 2022, AAP candidate Dr Kashmir Singh won the seat, which has necessitated a bypoll following Dr Singh’s death.

Although the date of the byelection has not been announced yet, party leaders believe it will be held concurrently with the Bihar election. Sources indicate that during a recent meeting chaired by Bhupesh Baghel, AICC general secretary and Punjab in-charge, Sarkaria and MLA Tript Rajinder Bajwa, along with other leaders, expressed reservations about the functioning of PPCC chief Amarinder Raja Warring.

A senior leader from Majha, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that Rana Gurjeet Singh was appointed in-charge of the Ludhiana West byelection at the insistence of leaders who supported party candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu. Now, with Sarkaria’s appointment as in-charge for the Taran Taran poll, it remains to be seen whether these unity efforts will sustain throughout the election campaign.

Given the presence of AAP, SAD, BJP, and radical groups in the race, the contest is expected to be fiercely competitive. A senior leader observed that the recent floods have posed challenges for AAP, potentially giving the Congress an advantage. While BJP and SAD have announced Harjit Singh Sandhu and Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa as their candidates, respectively, the Congress and AAP are yet to name their candidates.

AAP has, however, brought in Akali leader Harmeet Singh Sandhu to bolster its chances. Potential Congress candidates include Karan Burj, Lalli Dhalla, and Rajbir, among others.