Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on Thursday, 2 July launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress over its Punjab organisational overhaul, accusing the party of distributing 'lollipops' to leaders instead of building a credible grassroots structure. Bittu's remarks came a day after the Congress released a sweeping list of appointments for its Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) ahead of the state's upcoming Assembly elections.

What Triggered the Criticism

The Congress on Wednesday, 1 July cleared names for a range of organisational and election-related roles. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring was confirmed to continue as PPCC President, while Pratap Singh Bajwa retained his position as Leader of the Congress Legislature Party. Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who was widely seen as a strong contender for the PPCC chief's post, was instead appointed Chairperson of the Campaign Committee, with Sukhpal Singh Khaira named co-chairperson. Vijay Inder Singla was named Chairperson of the Election Management and Coordination Committee, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa will head the Core Committee, and Amar Singh will lead the Manifesto Committee.

Bittu's Broadside: Posts Over Purpose

Bittu described the list as 'jumbo-sized' and said it was unprecedented in the party's history. He pointed out that even senior leaders who are members of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) and the Congress Working Committee (CWC) had been accommodated as chairpersons of various committees — a move he called surprising and counterproductive.

'If every leader needs a post to remain relevant, what message does that send to the party workers?' Bittu said in a statement. He argued that assigning additional designations to already senior figures raised questions about their standing and commitment to the party without formal titles.

Ground Reality at PPCC Headquarters

Bittu painted a bleak picture of the Congress office in Chandigarh, claiming the Punjab headquarters presented a 'deserted' look. 'The office staff can be seen sitting in lawns, wondering which room should now be allotted to which office-bearer,' he said. He argued that rather than injecting energy into the organisation, the Congress had created confusion through an 'endless distribution of posts.' He added that even ordinary Congress workers were reportedly disappointed, with the focus appearing to be on accommodating leaders rather than strengthening the party at the grassroots level.

BJP's Counter-Positioning in Punjab

The Union Minister used the occasion to highlight the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) own preparations for the Punjab Assembly elections, asserting that the party would contest independently. He noted that BJP President Nitin Nabin recently concluded a three-day organisational tour across Punjab, interacting with workers and reinforcing the cadre. Bittu also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Punjab this month to inaugurate several major development projects, and that the Union Government has ensured no shortage of funds for the state's infrastructure, connectivity, and public welfare.

'The people of Punjab are witnessing the difference between a government focused on development and an Opposition consumed by internal adjustments and distribution of posts,' Bittu said. The remarks underscore the BJP's intent to frame the Congress reshuffle as a sign of internal dysfunction rather than electoral readiness, as both parties gear up for what is expected to be a closely contested state election.