Months before the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, the Congress is still struggling to settle questions of leadership that many believe should have been resolved long ago. Bhupesh Baghel's consultations have now ended, the matter has once again been referred to the high command, and leaders are waiting for Rahul Gandhi's return before any final decision is taken. If the Congress had identified and empowered a clear Chief Ministerial face much earlier, could much of the current infighting and uncertainty have been avoided ? Does the continuing leadership deadlock reflect not just internal rivalry, but a failure of long-term political planning by a national party preparing for one of its most important electoral battles ?

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