CHANDIGARH, Oct. 8 -- The Punjab Congress will face an early test of its efforts to overcome factionalism when newly appointed president Pargat Singh and All India Congress Committee general secretary in-charge of Punjab Sachin Pilot arrive in Amritsar on October 8 to begin the party's campaign preparations for the 2027 assembly elections. The visit assumes significance as the Congress seeks to project a united face after months of differences within its Punjab unit. Before kicking off the campaign, Pargat and Pilot will pay obeisance at the Golden Temple, besides visiting the Durgiana Temple, Ram Tirath Temple and St Paul's Church. The programme is expected to bring together a cross-section of the state Congress leadership and provide the new leadership with an opportunity to send out a message of reconciliation and collective functioning. Former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and senior leaders Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria and Khushaldeep Singh Dhillon are among those expected to be present, according to party functionaries. The Congress appointed Pargat as the new Punjab Congress chief on October 2, replacing Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. The appointment followed months of consultations within the party, particularly after Pilot assumed charge as Punjab affairs in-charge in September. The change in leadership came amid growing differences between various factions within the state unit. The rivalry between supporters of Channi and the camp associated with Warring had become increasingly visible, with separate meetings being organised by rival groups. At several points, senior leaders had publicly voiced their concerns and sought changes in the state organisation. The absence of some prominent leaders from programmes organised under Warring had further underscored the divisions within the party....