Punjab’s former Cabinet Minister Sunder Sham Arora on Wednesday rejoined the Congress, ending a short-lived association of two years with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Arora announced his return on Wednesday, sharing images with Punjab Congress in-charge Devender Yadav, signaling his recommitment to the party.

Arora, a two-time MLA from Hoshiarpur, previously served as the Industries and Commerce Minister in Capt Amarinder Singh’s government. His switch to the BJP followed the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, a short-lived move due to various controversies surrounding his tenure.

Arora’s political career faced significant turbulence due to legal issues. He was arrested by the Vigilance Bureau for allegedly attempting to bribe an Assistant Inspector General in a case related to disproportionate assets and an industrial plot transfer scam. Although he was granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the charges have tainted his reputation and contributed to his decision to return to Congress.

The speculation around Arora's return gained momentum after recent visits from senior Congress leaders, including Partap Singh Bajwa and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. Despite his brief stint with the BJP, Arora maintained connections with Congress leaders and was frequently seen alongside his mentor Sunil Jakhar during BJP events.

His absence from crucial BJP rallies, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s event in Hoshiarpur, indicated his growing dissatisfaction with the party. Arora’s decision to rejoin Congress is also seen as a response to the party’s ongoing leadership crisis, exacerbated by the defection of Chabbewal MLA Raj Kumar to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

Arora expressed regret over his previous decision to join the BJP, stating, “I believed the BJP would benefit Punjab, but I was mistaken. Only Congress can efficiently manage the state.” He pledged to work under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership to strengthen the Congress party and contribute positively to Punjab’s development.

Arora’s return is expected to bolster Congress's position in Hoshiarpur, especially in the wake of impending assembly bypoll in Chabbewal segment, and potentially influence the party's prospects in upcoming electoral contests.