Baghel cautions Punjab Congress workers against 'traitors' within party

Congress's general secretary in-charge for Punjab, Bhupesh Baghel, on Monday cautioned party workers to remain alert against "traitors within the party who could cause serious damage," as the party continues its booth-level mobilisation programme ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.

Addressing a gathering in Bathinda, Baghel said the upcoming elections would not be fought by candidates alone but by the entire party's rank and file, highlighting the need to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level. He warned against internal elements that could undermine the party's efforts.

Quoting senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, Baghel said Gandhi often "warned against the sleeper cells of other parties within the Congress." The remark came amid visible friction within the Punjab Congress unit.

The event was briefly disrupted when a section of party workers boycotted the proceedings and raised slogans in support of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, however, welcomed the slogans, describing Channi as "one of the senior and most respected leaders of the party."

Baghel also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the state, saying it had "pushed the state into anarchy" and "looted and robbed" Punjab. He claimed that nobody felt safe in the state, asserting that "gangsters were running the roost and people were getting killed in broad daylight."

The conspicuous absence of Channi and leaders from his camp at the event has raised questions about the party's internal cohesion. Channi is believed to be upset with the recent organisational revamp in the state unit.

The mobilisation programme is part of the Congress's strategy to strengthen its presence at the booth level ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. Party leaders have stressed the importance of grassroots engagement to counter the AAP government and other rivals.

Political observers note that the public display of dissent, despite Warring's conciliatory remarks, underscores the challenges the Congress faces in projecting unity. The party has been attempting to project a cohesive front, but factionalism remains a concern.

Baghel's warning against "traitors" and "sleeper cells" appears aimed at addressing internal divisions, but it also highlights the trust deficit within the party ranks. The coming months will show whether the leadership can bridge these gaps before the elections.