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AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel on Monday cautioned Congress workers to remain vigilant against internal elements who could harm the party, saying the next elections would not be fought by candidates alone but by the entire organisation.

Addressing the ‘Har Booth Congress Mazboot’ programme in Bathinda, Baghel stressed the importance of strengthening the party structure at the grassroots level and said the Congress had declared 2026 as the ‘Sangat Sirjan Saal’ to further consolidate its organisation.

He said District Congress Committee presidents were appointed only after consultations with grassroots workers through party observers, highlighting the party’s focus on strengthening booth-level structures.

Referring to warnings issued by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi about “sleeper cells” within the organisation, Baghel urged workers to be cautious of those who could act against party interests.

“The next elections in Punjab and elsewhere will not be fought by candidates alone, but by the entire organisation,” he said, adding that winning booths would be crucial for electoral success.

Targeting the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, Baghel alleged that the state had been pushed towards anarchy under its rule. He accused the government of failing to provide security to people and claimed that criminal activities and mafia networks had increased.

He alleged that sand and land mafias were active in Punjab and accused the AAP government of failing to protect the state’s interests.

Baghel also criticised the BJP-led government at the Centre, alleging corruption and claiming that national resources were being handed over to a few businessmen. He also made allegations regarding donations linked to the Ram Temple.

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, meanwhile, said the party was united and prepared for the next Assembly elections. He claimed that Congress would form the next government in Punjab and said the Chief Minister would be chosen by party leadership, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Bhupesh Baghel.

Responding to slogans raised in favour of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi during the programme, Warring welcomed the support and said Channi was a senior and respected Congress leader.

“Are these slogans in favour of Pakistan?” Warring asked, while defending the former Chief Minister and pointing out that Channi currently heads the party’s Campaign Committee, which he described as a significant position.

He cited examples of leaders such as Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had served as campaign committee chiefs before becoming Chief Ministers.

Warring underlined the importance of booth-level preparation, saying elections in the present era are won through detailed planning and micro-management.

AICC secretary Ravinder Dalavi also addressed the gathering.

The leaders congratulated Bathinda District Congress Committee presidents Rajan Garg (urban) and Preetam Singh Kotbhai (rural) for organising the programme with large participation from party workers.