In Punjab, a look at key factors why Congress had last laugh

The public disillusionment with AAP govt played a significant role in Cong's success, with the party choosing to fight on front foot, fielding its key leaders including Channi, Warring and Randhawa

Congress workers start celebrations in Ludhiana, Punjab. (Express photo by Gurmeet Singh)

Pushed to the wall, partly because of the exodus of its leaders to the BJP, and also due to corruption cases slapped by the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government against a slew of its leaders, the Congress put its best foot forward in Punjab in the Lok Sabha elections.

Coming two years after its poor showing in the Assembly elections when the Congress could win only 18 of the total 117 seats, the party decided in the Lok Sabha polls against aligning with the AAP, its ally in other states as constituents of the INDIA bloc, and opted to fight on its own steam.

Here are some of the factors that helped the Congress put up a good show in the Lok Sabha polls, leading in seven of the total 13 seats.

Fielding prominent faces

The Congress chose to fight on the front foot, fielding its key leaders including former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, state party chief

Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, and former deputy CM Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. These prominent leaders undertook vigorous and dynamic campaigns in their respective constituencies, getting their supporters to rally behind them.

Party unity

Known for its factionalism and infighting, the Congress managed to overcome these problems to present a united front in the polls. With over a dozen of its leaders facing various charges registered by the AAP government, the party came together like never before. As Gurjeet Singh Aujla, the party’s candidate from Amritsar, put it, “We are united for a bigger cause.”

Anti-incumbency

The public disillusionment with the AAP dispensation played a significant role in the Congress’s success. Dissatisfied with the Mann government’s performance, many voters, who had shifted their allegiance to the AAP during the 2022 Assembly elections, returned to the grand old party.

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Farmers’ support

The Congress was boosted by the support it got from farmers. The party leaders tacitly backed the ongoing farmers’ protest at the Shambhu border while maintaining good relations with traders. The party also promised to waive farmers’ debts if it would return to power at the Centre.

The party also got the backing of late singer Sidhu Moosewala’s father Balkar Singh. Balkar’s influence had an impact on youth voters in some Malwa seats in the state.

Focus on local concerns

The Congress addressed local concerns by crafting a detailed vision document that resonated with the electorate. By concentrating on specific local issues and factors, the party was able to connect with voters more effectively.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More