The internal discord within the Punjab Congress has intensified after a key meeting led by the party’s Punjab in-charge, Bhupesh Baghel, failed to resolve growing differences between rival factions. With no agreement emerging from the discussions, the leadership dispute is now expected to be placed before the Congress High Command.
Channi Supporters Challenge Raja Warring’s Leadership
According to party sources, leaders aligned with former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa strongly opposed the idea of contesting the next Punjab Assembly election under the leadership of state Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring.
The group reportedly urged the central leadership to appoint a new Punjab Congress president, arguing that the party would struggle to regain power if the current leadership remained unchanged. Several leaders also pitched for Channi to be projected as the party’s chief ministerial candidate ahead of the Assembly polls.
Baghel Holds Talks, Decision Deferred to High Command
Bhupesh Baghel met several senior Punjab Congress leaders in Chandigarh to understand the concerns within the state unit. Despite multiple rounds of discussions, no consensus was reached between the competing camps.
Following the consultations, Baghel indicated that the opinions gathered from party leaders would be shared with the Congress High Command, which would take the final call on organisational and leadership matters.
Randhawa Reiterates Opposition
After the meeting, senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa maintained his criticism of the present state leadership, stating that the Punjab Congress should not be led by a “compromised leader.”
His remarks highlighted the widening divide within the state unit, signalling that the disagreement over leadership is far from over.
Baghel Stresses Party Discipline
While acknowledging that leaders were free to express their opinions, Baghel made it clear that organisational decisions would ultimately rest with the Congress High Command.
He also cautioned that disciplinary action could be taken against anyone crossing the party’s limits, while reiterating that the decision on the chief ministerial face would be taken by the central leadership at the appropriate time.
Leaders Present Ground-Level Feedback
Congress MLA Pargat Singh said party leaders had honestly conveyed the political realities prevailing in Punjab during the meeting. He expressed confidence that Baghel would incorporate the suggestions into the party’s future strategy before discussing them with the central leadership.
Factional Battle Ahead of Punjab Polls
The latest confrontation reflects the continuing power struggle within the Punjab Congress since its defeat in the 2022 Assembly elections. Differences over organisational leadership, election strategy and the party’s future direction have repeatedly surfaced as the Congress attempts to rebuild ahead of the next Assembly elections.
With the Channi camp openly questioning Raja Warring’s leadership and demanding a new political direction, the spotlight has now shifted to the Congress High Command, whose decision is expected to shape the party’s campaign in Punjab.
