The return of former Congress MLA and young leader Dalbir Goldie to the Punjab Congress has once again stirred up the state's political landscape. His return has been accompanied by internal party tension and dissent in recent times.
Punjab Politics: Punjab's political scene is witnessing a reshuffling of old players. Dalbir Goldie, who once contested against Bhagwant Mann and later sought refuge in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), formally rejoined the Congress party on Saturday. This return comes at a time when factionalism within the Punjab Congress has become commonplace, and several decisions appear stalled due to a lack of "mutual consensus".
Return in the Presence of Bhupesh Baghel
This re-entry, which took place in the presence of Congress's Punjab in-charge and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, is considered a significant organizational move. Baghel stated on this occasion that the return of a grassroots leader like Goldie would strengthen the party, especially among the youth. Goldie's return had been speculated for a long time.
However, the process was stalled due to a lack of agreement between senior Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa and state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. A statement by Bajwa, claiming that "not a single leaf moves in the party without my consent," hindered Goldie's return. However, in recent weeks, the political temperature between Bajwa and Warring cooled, and a sense of reconciliation emerged, signaling that Goldie's return was merely a formality.
Defeat in Dhuri, Disappointment in Sangrur, and Now a Return
Goldie contested the 2022 Assembly elections from Dhuri against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann but faced defeat. Later, after not receiving a ticket for the Sangrur Lok Sabha by-election, he left the party and joined the Aam Aadmi Party. However, his political unease grew there as well.
During recent by-elections, when he campaigned for Raja Warring's wife, Amrita Warring, in Gidderbaha, speculation about his return intensified. While some Congress leaders view Goldie's return as an injection of energy into the organization, internal party sources suggest it could reignite old factional wounds. However, the state leadership is currently attempting to present this move as a sign of unity.
