Chandigarh: A fresh internal conflict appears to have surfaced in the Punjab Congress after former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership of state party chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring during a two-day meeting with the Congress high command in Delhi.
According to party sources, Channi and leaders associated with his faction conveyed that the party may struggle to win the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections if it contests under Warring’s leadership.
Channi Raises Concerns Over Warring’s Leadership
Sources claimed that during the meeting chaired by Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, Channi told Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel that the party’s electoral prospects could be affected if Raja Warring continued as state president.
Channi reportedly said that if Warring remained in the position, the responsibility for the election outcome would lie with the state in-charge and the high command.
The discussion reportedly became tense when Venugopal questioned leaders over internal differences despite being given important responsibilities within the party.
Channi Hints at Resigning From Campaign Committee Post
During the meeting, Channi reportedly indicated that he could step down as the chairman of the Punjab Congress Election Campaign Committee if the leadership continued to back Warring.
Meanwhile, Raja Warring initially remained silent during the discussion but later said that if leaders had issues with his leadership, he was ready to resign.
However, Venugopal reportedly made it clear that Warring had been appointed by the party high command and would continue as Punjab Congress president.
High Command Maintains Trust in Raja Warring
The Congress leadership reportedly informed the Channi faction that the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections would be fought under Raja Warring’s leadership.
The high command highlighted Warring’s experience within the party organisation, from the Youth Congress to Punjab Congress, and maintained confidence in his ability to strengthen the party structure.
Rahul Gandhi’s Punjab Programme Also Discussed
The meeting also reportedly discussed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s proposed bus yatra in Punjab.
However, amid ongoing factional tensions, the programme has been postponed for now. The high command has reportedly asked Punjab leaders to organise major rallies in the state if the bus yatra does not take place.
The Channi faction, according to sources, said it would participate in Rahul Gandhi’s programmes but also demanded consideration of leadership changes.
Channi Faction Shows Discontent After Meeting
After the Delhi meeting, several Punjab Congress leaders shared pictures from the discussion on social media. However, Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and leaders from his faction reportedly did not share any photographs, which party insiders viewed as a sign of continued dissatisfaction.
Despite the differences, the Congress high command is reportedly keen to maintain Channi’s role due to his position as a prominent Dalit leader and former Chief Minister.
Congress Balancing Channi and Warring Roles
According to party sources, the high command has assured Channi of an important role in:
- Candidate selection and ticket distribution
- Election campaign planning
- Statewide campaigning strategy
At the same time, Raja Warring is expected to continue handling organisational responsibilities as Punjab Congress president.
With the 2027 Assembly elections approaching, the Congress leadership faces the challenge of balancing internal factions while keeping the party united in Punjab.
