Congress will contest the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections under collective leadership, announced AICC general secretary Bhupesh Baghel. He stated that senior party leaders are considered chief ministerial faces, with the final decision resting with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Baghel was in Punjab for a program protesting the Union government's proposed replacement of MGNREGA, which he criticized as an attempt to destroy the rural economy and snatch workers' rights. He also raised concerns about Punjab's financial situation and the AAP government's performance.