Congress tasks Lal Singh with contact programme

An MLA from Sanaur and known to be a popular leader among the grassroot populace, Lal Singh has been asked to take other senior party leaders along so that their experience is put to use.

Senior Vice-President of Punjab Congress Lal Singh has been assigned to head a contact programme with booth in-charges at the Assembly segment level. The move is seen among political analysts as an attempt at placating Lal Singh who has, reportedly, been upset at not being involved in any party activity.

An MLA from Sanaur and known to be a popular leader among the grassroot populace, Lal Singh has been asked to take other senior party leaders along so that their experience is put to use.

A decision to this effect was taken earlier this week, when party’s general secretary in-charge Dr Shakeel Ahmad and secretary Harish Choudhary came to Chandigarh and met with Lal Singh, campaign committee chief, Ambika Soni, and Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh.

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Sources said, the entire state with 117 Assembly segments has been divided into six zones in which a combing program would be launched starting from March 16 to April 30.

“In 45 days, these six to seven prominent leaders would comb the entire state at the booth level. Even if each leader goes to meet booth level workers everyday, they end up covering each segment more than twice in 45 days. We have no dearth of leaders. Each one has his own connect with party cadres, “ said a senior party leader. “Lal Singh has
been asked to make sure to assign leaders in those constituencies where they had a following.”

Sources said the move was aimed at encouraging party cadres to stay with the party. Over the past few months, many party members have jumped ship to different parties.

Also, many senior leaders have been feeling left out and not being made a part of the party’s think tank, the source added.

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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