Rift in Punjab Congress Persists; Channi Skips Bhupesh Baghel’s Meeting; To Raise Objections Before High Command in Delhi
The dispute within the Punjab Congress regarding organizational appointments shows no signs of abating. Bhupesh Baghel, the party’s Punjab affairs in-charge—tasked by the high command with resolving these differences—is set to hold meetings with leaders for the second consecutive day on Tuesday.
However, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and senior leader Pargat Singh will not attend the meeting as they are currently in Delhi. Baghel will first meet with district Congress presidents at the Punjab Congress Bhawan on Tuesday. Subsequently, he will hold separate meetings with the chairpersons of the recently constituted election committee, core committee, and other panels to discuss strategies for the 2027 assembly elections. On Monday, he held one-on-one meetings with Election Committee Chairman Dr. Amar Singh, Vijay Inder Singla, Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, and State Congress President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring to gather feedback on the organization’s status.
**Picture of Internal Dissatisfaction Becomes Clear**
The absence of Charanjit Singh Channi and his supporting leaders from the meeting has further highlighted the dissatisfaction within the party. Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and Pargat Singh are currently in Delhi. According to sources, leaders supporting Channi are preparing to meet the Congress leadership to present their stance regarding organizational appointments and issues concerning the state leadership.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is also expected to return from his foreign tour on Tuesday. Sources indicate that Channi has sought an appointment to meet Rahul Gandhi, although a specific time for the meeting has not yet been finalized.
It is believed that the Channi faction may directly present its objections regarding the leadership of State Congress President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and the recent organizational appointments to the central leadership. Meanwhile, Pratap Singh Bajwa is also attempting to resolve the dispute by facilitating a dialogue between the Channi and Warring factions, though no concrete consensus has emerged so far. There are concerns that the ongoing rift between these two factions within the party could impact preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections.
**Baghel says he has spoken to Channi**
Bhupesh Baghel stated that he has spoken to Charanjit Singh Channi over the phone. Channi is currently out of town and is expected to return in a day or two. Following his return, a separate meeting will be held to discuss Punjab’s electoral strategy and organizational matters. Baghel says he is trying to resolve differences by engaging with all leaders on an individual level, aiming to unite the party and advance election preparations.
