Channi angry at Congress meeting: Threatened to quit politics, Baghel calms him down

February 18, 2026

Jalandhar: FChanni angry at Congress meeting: Threatened to quit politics, Baghel calms him downTwo days ago, at a crucial Congress meeting in Chandigarh, Channi even declared that if he continued to be targeted in this manner, he would leave politics and return home.

The meeting was attended by Bhupesh Baghel, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of the Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa, along with all MLAs, MPs, candidates who lost in the 2022 elections, and district presidents.

A senior leader present at the meeting, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that some senior leaders cornered Channi over factionalism within the party. Angered by this, Channi said, “I am constantly being accused. I am being targeted. It is better that I stay home.”

Baghel handled the situation, saying no one is targeting him

Party state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel and other leaders were surprised by Channi’s stance. Seeing the situation escalate, Baghel intervened and clarified that no one in the party was being targeted.

Channi also clarified that whatever he was doing was to increase the party’s support base. He was daily targeting the Punjab government and criticizing its policies to attract people to join the Congress.

Questions raised about the CM face, MPs advised not to contest the elections

According to sources, when Channi again raised questions about senior leaders during the meeting, Raja Warring suggested that the sitting MPs should not contest the assembly elections. This could put an end to the controversy surrounding the CM face.

However, not all contenders agreed to this proposal. Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Amar Singh, and Pratap Singh Bajwa are among the potential candidates for the CM post in the Congress.

Channi’s question on Dalit representation escalates controversy

Earlier, at a meeting of the Congress SC Cell in Chandigarh, Channi had raised the issue of Dalit representation. He stated that despite Punjab’s large Dalit population, upper-caste leaders dominate top party positions.

This statement sparked controversy. Raja Warring responded by saying that Channi is a member of the Congress Working Committee, a high-ranking position. He also reminded that despite losing two seats, the party elected him as an MP from Jalandhar.

As the matter escalated, Rahul Gandhi summoned Punjab leaders to Delhi and issued strict instructions to maintain discipline, making it clear that there would be no change in the state leadership for the time being.