NEW DELHI: The Congress continues to suffer setbacks in Punjab following its defeat in the Assembly elections. Five leaders, including four former ministers, have announced their decision to leave the Congress. It has been reported that they will join the BJP. Party's Dalit face from Panchkula Raj Kumar Verka, PCC working President Sunder Sham Arora, Jat Sikh leaders Balbir Singh Sidhu, Gurpreet Singh Kangar and ex-MLA Kewal Singh Dhillon are leaving the party.

They are close associates of former PCC president Sunil Jha, who recently left the Congress and joined the BJP. There are strong indications in the state that more leaders will leave the Congress and join the BJP.