Punjab Congress Leadership Row Escalates; Channi Camp Plans Delhi Show of Strength
Chandigarh: Internal tensions within the Punjab Congress have intensified over demands for a leadership change, with former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi's faction reportedly preparing to take its protest to Delhi if its concerns are not addressed.
The Channi camp is demanding the removal of Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and is planning a show of strength before the party high command, similar to the demonstration held recently in the presence of Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel.
Baghel has maintained that there is no proposal to change the current state leadership but assured party leaders that their concerns would be conveyed to the Congress high command.
Delhi Show of Strength Planned
According to party sources, leaders from nearly 92 Assembly constituencies, including sitting and former MLAs as well as former election candidates, are prepared to participate in a rally in Delhi to demonstrate support for the Channi faction ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Rahul Gandhi May Hold Talks
With Rahul Gandhi back from his overseas visit, senior party leaders expect him to review the political situation in Punjab after receiving a report from Bhupesh Baghel.
Sources suggest Rahul Gandhi may invite Charanjit Singh Channi along with senior Congress leaders Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, OP Soni, and Pargat Singh for discussions later this week.
Leadership Change Demand
During a recent meeting, leaders aligned with Channi openly demanded a change in the state leadership and expressed support for replacing Raja Warring.
They argued that ignoring grassroots workers and senior party leaders could hurt the Congress party's chances of returning to power in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
High Command Faces Difficult Choice
The Congress high command now faces a balancing act. While the Channi faction is pressing for leadership changes, Raja Warring is credited with strengthening the party organisation and expanding its grassroots network.
Political observers believe that unless the internal dispute is resolved quickly, factionalism could weaken the party's electoral prospects.
Not the First Internal Crisis
Punjab Congress has witnessed similar internal conflicts in the past. Ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections, disagreements involving Navjot Singh Sidhu and then Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh led to a leadership change, with Charanjit Singh Channi eventually becoming Chief Minister.
Analysts believe the party will need to resolve its internal differences to avoid repeating past electoral setbacks.
