Dalvir Goldy Returns to Congress, Reverses AAP Move Amid High-Voltage Punjab Politics

In a striking political comeback, former Congress MLA Dalvir Goldy has rejoined the Congress Party, reversing his brief yet controversial switch to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Goldy’s re-induction was formalised by Congress National General Secretary and Punjab In-charge Bhupesh Baghel, in the presence of senior state leaders including Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, and former minister Balbir Singh Sidhu. Goldy’s return marks a significant political recalibration in Punjab’s charged landscape, particularly in the Sangrur-Gidderbaha belt, where electoral dynamics remain fluid ahead of future contests.

From Defection to Regret: A Swift Turnaround

Dalvir Goldy, who previously represented Dhuri in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and had contested the 2022 assembly elections against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, left the Congress after being denied a Lok Sabha ticket from Sangrur in the 2024 general elections. His entry into AAP, facilitated in the presence of CM Mann, had generated considerable buzz, given his local influence and prior loyalty to Congress. However, his association with AAP proved to be short-lived. Within weeks, Goldy expressed deep regret over what he termed a “misjudged decision” and sought a return to his original party. The turnaround stirred an internal storm in the Congress camp, especially as LoP Partap Singh Bajwa voiced strong opposition to his re-entry, citing trust issues and political expediency.

Strategic Support During Gidderbaha By-Poll

Despite the resistance, Goldy began rebuilding ties with the Congress leadership. During the Gidderbaha by-election, he actively campaigned for Amrita Warring, wife of PPCC President Raja Warring, signaling his intent to reconcile with the party. His visible support on the ground was widely seen as a gesture of commitment, especially as Warring himself appeared to favour Goldy’s homecoming. This internal alignment within the Congress leadership appears to have played a crucial role in softening resistance and ultimately led to his formal rejoining.

Unity Over Division: Congress Opts for Consolidation

Dalvir Goldy’s return to the Congress, despite initial opposition, reflects the party’s broader strategy to consolidate its base and resolve factional differences ahead of key political contests. With the BJP and AAP continuing to expand their footprint in Punjab, the Congress seems intent on bringing experienced grassroots leaders back into the fold to regain its competitive edge. Baghel’s statement during the induction underscored this sentiment — choosing unity over division. He stressed the importance of organisational strengthening, a priority echoed in the recent AICC session.

Implications for Punjab’s Political Landscape

Goldy’s re-induction is more than just a personal comeback. It exemplifies the shifting sands of Punjab’s politics, where loyalty, grassroots influence, and regional clout often dictate strategy over rigid ideological lines. His brief exit and rapid return also highlight the disillusionment some leaders may feel with newer parties after experiencing internal dynamics and leadership styles elsewhere. As Punjab heads towards critical elections in the coming years, Dalvir Goldy’s role in Sangrur and adjoining areas will be closely watched, particularly with the Congress seeking to reclaim lost ground from both the AAP and the BJP. This political saga, marked by departure, regret, resistance, and reconciliation, offers a revealing glimpse into how party dynamics, personal ambition, and electoral calculus continue to shape the future of Punjab’s democratic discourse.

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