Raja Warring Dismisses Punjab Congress Rift, Says Channi Not in CM Race

July 5, 2026

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has dismissed speculation of factionalism within the party, describing former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi as a respected leader and clarifying that neither he nor Channi is in a race for the chief minister’s post ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

His remarks came amid reports of differences within the state unit after a section of party leaders backed Channi as the party’s chief ministerial face.

Channi Is a Respected Leader

Addressing reporters, Warring said there was nothing unusual about Channi holding meetings with party leaders, noting that the former chief minister currently heads the Congress campaign committee in Punjab.

Calling Channi “a respected leader” and “a crown on the Congress’ head,” Warring said the party remains united and focused on returning to power in the state. He added that all senior leaders would soon be seen sharing the same platform to fight the next Assembly election together.

‘I’m Not in the CM Race’

Warring categorically ruled out his own candidature for the chief minister’s post, saying he has no personal ambition to become the party’s CM face.

He said the decision on the chief ministerial candidate rests solely with the Congress high command, led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. Warring added that if the party chooses Channi or any other leader as its CM face, he would fully support that decision.

Focus on 2027 Elections

The Punjab Congress chief said his only objective is to ensure the party returns to power in the 2027 Assembly elections.

He stressed that every Congress worker should prioritise the party over personal ambitions and expressed confidence that internal differences would be resolved as leaders work together for a common goal.

Background

The clarification comes after supporters of Charanjit Singh Channi recently demanded that the Congress leadership reconsider Raja Warring’s continuation as Punjab Congress president and project Channi as the party’s chief ministerial face.

The Congress, however, retained Warring as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president while appointing Channi as chairman of the party’s campaign committee, signalling an attempt to balance different factions ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.