Smooth take off: Pilot handles Punjab turbulence; can he nail the landing for Congress?

NEW DELHI: The Congress in Punjab has finally hit the ground running. Sachin Pilot, who replaced Bhupesh Baghel as the party’s state in-charge, successfully navigated the state unit out of months of internal turmoil and ensured the party’s campaign for the 2027 assembly elections could finally take off.With arch-rivals - former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi and state Congress chief Raja Warring - on board, Pilot led a mega protest demanding the resignation of Punjab finance minister Harpal Cheema, who faces charges of abetment of suicide of a Dalit, Gulzar Singh.The entire state leadership and thousands of party workers marched towards Cheema’s residence. Police used water cannons to stop the protesters’ march. But the point was made.