Amid leadership change buzz, Warring aide appointed Punjab Youth Congress chief

In the delegate elections, the results of which were declared last week, Devgan polled 1,60,154 votes, narrowly defeating Gagandeep Singh, who secured 1,56,271 votes. Karanvir Singh Dhillon finished third with 94,181 votes. A total of 4,68,614 votes were cast.

The contest was closely watched because all three candidates were backed by rival power centres within the Congress’ state unit.

Devgan enjoyed the support of Warring, while Gagandeep Singh, son of former MLA Madan Lal Jalalpur, was backed by former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who is himself being seen as a strong contender for the PPCC chief’s post. Dhillon, grandson of former MLA Amrik Singh Dhillon, had the backing of Congress Legislature Party leader Partap Singh Bajwa.

Under the Youth Congress election process, securing the highest number of delegate votes does not automatically ensure appointment as state president. The top three candidates are interviewed by the Congress leadership before the high command takes the final decision. Monday’s appointment is therefore being viewed within party circles as a clear endorsement of the Warring camp at a time when speculation over a change in the Punjab Congress leadership continues.

The appointment also assumes significance as the Congress seeks to strengthen its organisation ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The Youth Congress has traditionally served as a nursery for future party leaders, with several senior Congress leaders having risen through its ranks. Devgan succeeds Mohit Mohindra, who had taken over as Punjab Youth Congress president in August 2023 after replacing Barinder Singh Dhillon.