Punjab Congress Factional Rift Deepens as Channi Camp Rejects Baghel's Conciliation
A week ago, the Congress high command believed it had contained factionalism in its Punjab unit. However, on Wednesday, tensions escalated again, with former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi at the centre of the dispute, reminiscent of a similar crisis five years ago.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Bhupesh Baghel reiterated that there would be no change in state party president, ruling out replacing Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. 'This is not child's play that decisions will be changed repeatedly,' Baghel said, flanked by Warring.
The Channi camp responded sharply, dismissing Baghel's remarks as inconsequential. Leaders close to Channi accused Baghel of staging 'inconsequential meetings and dinners' for the high command's benefit, claiming that no senior state leader had met him. 'What does Baghel know about Punjab or the leadership of Punjab Congress? Today, he could not even name all three working presidents of the party,' one leader said.
Baghel stated that he would soon meet Channi and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, even offering to visit them at their homes. However, the Channi faction said it would rather meet Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi after his return from abroad.
Sources said Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla met Channi at his residence on Wednesday to convey Baghel's 'feelers', attempting reconciliation. Despite this, the factional rift remains wide, with 90% of former Congress ministers reportedly not meeting Baghel during his three-day visit.
