Chandigarh: After damage control, Congress sets out on placating exercise

A Congress leader confessed that it was not easy for them to sail through with the candidate courting a controversy soon after being officially nominated.

Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia

A day after Punjab Congress spent a day in damage control exercise following registration of a case of illegal sand mining against Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia, the party launched a placating exercise to ensure local leaders supported the official nominee.

PPCC president Sunil Kumar Jakhar and party general secretary Capt Sandeep Singh Sandhu called the local leaders, who had launched a campaign against Laddi, at Punjab Bhawan and asked them to support him in the interest of the party.

Five party leaders including Rajanbir Singh, Dr Navjot Dahiya, Jagbir Brar, Capt Harmander Singh and Brij Bhupinder Singh had raised a banner of revolt before Sherowalia was announced the candidate. They had held a press conference stating that they would not be able to support Sherowalia if he would be nominated as there were allegations of illegal sand mining against him.

While Brij Bhupinder Singh, an ex-MLA from Shahkot, could not attend the meeting, the rest four leaders attended the meeting. It is learnt that the four have not promised to toe the party line yet. They are learnt to have told Jakhar that they took a stand publicly against Sherowalia and they will have to think it through before campaigning in his favour.

It has become a challenge for the Congress to keep the flock together in Shahkot. A party leader confessed that it was not easy for them to sail through with the candidate courting a controversy soon after being officially nominated. The segment is already an Akali bastion. If Congress does not put up a united show, it could be damaging for the party’s prospect. Losing a byelection for any ruling party does not show it in a good light.

“We are yet to take a decision. We already made it clear that we would not be able to support the candidate if the party gives the ticket to Sherowalia due to his controversies. How can we go back now ? It becomes difficult to take a U-turn on a public stance. We are discussing it amongst ourselves. Let us see,” said one of the four leaders.

Rajanbir Singh was also a contender for Shahkot ticket. He is the son of former finance minister Balwant Singh, who was assassinated by militants during the millitancy days in the state. Brar was another contender, who was denied ticket from his constituency, Jalandhar (Cantt) in the Assembly election .

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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