Chandigarh: The internal divide within the Punjab Congress appears to be widening, with supporters of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi intensifying their demand for a greater leadership role ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Even as the party leadership has reportedly decided against replacing state Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the Channi camp is now pitching for Channi to be projected as the party’s chief ministerial candidate.
The issue is expected to dominate discussions during Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel’s visit, as senior leaders aligned with Channi prepare to gather in large numbers to present a united front. Party insiders indicate that around 80 leaders, including MPs, MLAs and former legislators, are expected to participate in the meeting to underline the faction’s political strength.
In a significant development, Baghel is scheduled to meet Channi at the residence of Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh rather than at the Punjab Congress headquarters. The venue change is being viewed as an attempt to create a more conducive atmosphere for dialogue after the Channi camp reportedly insisted that Raja Warring should not be present during the discussions. Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa is also likely to attend the meeting.
Sources within the party said Channi’s supporters believe that if the leadership is unwilling to hand him the state unit’s presidency, he should at least be declared the Congress face for the 2027 Assembly elections. They argue that such a move would help consolidate support, particularly among Dalit voters, a key electoral segment in Punjab.
Before the meeting, Baghel is learnt to have cautioned party leaders against any activities that could weaken organisational discipline. His message reportedly stressed that while differing opinions would be heard, any attempt to damage the party’s unity could invite disciplinary measures.
The Channi camp, however, maintains that it will first place its concerns before Baghel before seeking an audience with the Congress high command in Delhi. Leaders close to the former Chief Minister are said to be waiting for Rahul Gandhi’s return before pursuing further discussions on the matter.
Political observers believe the Congress leadership faces a delicate balancing act. Channi remains one of the party’s most recognisable Dalit leaders in Punjab, making it difficult for the leadership to ignore his influence. At the same time, Raja Warring continues to enjoy the backing of the central leadership as the state unit chief.
Baghel is expected to conclude his Punjab visit after the consultations and submit a detailed report to the Congress high command in Delhi. The report is likely to include feedback from various factions, organisational concerns and possible solutions to ease the growing tensions. Analysts believe the leadership may now have to choose between forging a compromise among rival camps or taking a firmer stand to restore discipline within the Punjab Congress.
