Punjab Congress leadership rift remains unresolved after key meeting
The leadership crisis within the Punjab Congress continues, as a crucial meeting convened by All India Congress Committee general secretary Bhupesh Baghel failed to bridge differences between rival factions. The meeting, held on Saturday at the residence of Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjit Singh, was attended by over 80 party leaders, including former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi and several MLAs.
Sources present said the gathering turned into a display of strength by supporters of Channi, who demanded the removal of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Warring did not attend the meeting. Channi reportedly asked attendees to raise their hands if they wanted Warring replaced, and claimed that they complied.
Several leaders spoke in favour of a change in leadership. Gurdaspur MLA Barindermeet Singh Pahra said he would not contest the 2027 assembly elections if Warring remained in his post. Balkaur Singh Sidhu, father of slain singer Sidhu Moosewala, alleged that Warring was promoting his rivals in the Mansa belt, and expressed concern about the party's prospects there.
Addressing the gathering, Channi denied seeking any post but insisted on Warring's removal, alleging that the PPCC chief was spreading rumours about him being in touch with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Channi stated that he faces cases from both the BJP-led Centre and the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government, and said he was not afraid of them.
Bhupesh Baghel, who chaired the meeting, later downplayed the internal dissent. Speaking to reporters, he said attendees shared their views but no one objected to the party high command's decisions. Baghel claimed that no demand for Warring's replacement was made during the meeting. However, after the meeting, former deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Channi publicly called for a leadership change.
The infighting poses a challenge for the Congress as it prepares for the Punjab assembly elections scheduled for February 2027. The party has been out of power in the state since 2017 and has faced electoral setbacks in recent years. The unresolved leadership dispute could further weaken its organisational strength and voter appeal.
