Chandigarh, 22 Sept — The Congress has named sitting Raja Sansi MLA Sukhbinder Sukh Sarkaria as election in-charge for the upcoming Taran Taran byelection, in what party insiders say is a bid to bridge internal divisions within the Punjab unit.
The appointment comes after the party’s poor showing in the Ludhiana (West) byelection, where visible factionalism undermined its campaign. Party sources believe the move signals an effort to forge unity ahead of the high-stakes contest.
Historically, the Congress had maintained a stronghold in Taran Taran, with Dharambir Agnihotri winning the seat in 2017. In 2022, however, AAP candidate Dr Kashmir Singh captured the constituency. The byelection became necessary following Dr Singh’s death. Although the poll date has not been officially announced, party leaders anticipate it will coincide with elections in Bihar.
During a recent meeting chaired by AICC general secretary and Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, Sarkaria, MLA Tript Rajinder Bajwa, and other leaders reportedly raised concerns over the functioning of PPCC chief Amarinder Raja Warring. “There have been ongoing concerns from several leaders about how the state unit has been managed,” a senior leader said on condition of anonymity.
The source noted that in the Ludhiana West byelection, Rana Gurjeet Singh had been appointed in-charge at the insistence of leaders backing Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu. “Now, with Sarkaria leading the Taran Taran campaign, the hope is that these unity efforts will hold through the election,” the leader added.
The contest is expected to be fiercely competitive, with AAP, SAD, BJP, and other regional groups in the fray. Observers note that recent floods may have impacted AAP’s ground-level organisation, potentially giving the Congress an edge. BJP and SAD have already announced candidates, Harjit Singh Sandhu and Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa, respectively, while Congress and AAP are yet to finalise their nominees.
AAP has brought in former Akali leader Harmeet Singh Sandhu to strengthen its chances, while potential Congress candidates under consideration include Karan Burj, Lalli Dhalla, and Rajbir, among others.
Party insiders say Sarkaria’s appointment reflects an effort to consolidate support across factions and present a united front in a constituency where the political stakes are high.
