2027 Punjab polls set for high-voltage battles? Kulbir Zira urges Congress to field heavyweights against heavyweights
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 5, 2026: Amid ongoing political activity and internal dynamics within the Punjab Congress, senior party leader and former MLA Kulbir Singh Zira has proposed a high-profile electoral strategy for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, urging the party high command to field prominent Congress leaders against major political rivals.
During the Punjab Congress’ statewide “Har Booth Congress Mazboot” campaign, Zira suggested that the party adopt a “heavyweights versus heavyweights” approach to create major electoral contests and strengthen the Congress campaign across Punjab.
Zira made the proposal during the visits of Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel and state Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring to Fazilka and Ferozepur.
He suggested that Punjab Congress chief Raja Warring should be fielded against Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal. According to Zira, a direct contest between the two prominent leaders could emerge as one of the most closely watched battles of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Raja Warring had earlier represented the Gidderbaha constituency and won the seat in the 2022 Assembly elections before being elected as a Member of Parliament from Ludhiana. Zira said a contest involving Warring and Sukhbir Badal could generate significant political interest in the region.
For Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who was elected from the Dhuri constituency in 2022, Zira proposed former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi as the Congress candidate.
He said a direct contest between a former chief minister and the incumbent chief minister could become a major political battle and help create momentum for the Congress across Punjab. Channi had contested from both Bhadaur and Chamkaur Sahib in the 2022 Assembly elections but lost both seats.
Zira also suggested that Congress Legislature Party leader Partap Singh Bajwa should be fielded against senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia. He said a contest between the two prominent leaders from the Majha region could have a significant political impact across the area.
In another proposal, Zira urged the Congress leadership to field former Deputy Chief Minister and sitting MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa against Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh.
According to Zira, a contest between the experienced and outspoken Congress leader and Amritpal Singh could make the electoral battle in the region highly significant.
Zira’s proposals have sparked fresh political discussion over the Congress’ possible candidate selection and electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.