Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The leadership tussle within the Punjab Congress shows no signs of easing, with supporters of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi stepping up pressure on the party’s central leadership ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. As senior leaders gather for crucial discussions with Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, the Channi camp is expected to seek a clearer political roadmap and a larger role in the state’s electoral strategy.
According to party sources, leaders aligned with Channi believe the Congress must announce a credible face for the upcoming Assembly polls if it hopes to mount a strong challenge. While the central leadership has reportedly decided to retain Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as the Punjab Congress president, Channi’s supporters argue that projecting the former Chief Minister as the party’s chief ministerial candidate would strengthen the organisation across the state.
The meeting with Baghel is expected to witness participation from a large number of senior Congress functionaries, including sitting legislators, Members of Parliament and former MLAs. Leaders close to Channi view the gathering as an opportunity to demonstrate that their faction enjoys considerable backing within the party.
In an effort to reduce friction, the meeting has reportedly been planned at a neutral location instead of the Punjab Congress headquarters. Raja Warring is unlikely to be part of the initial round of discussions, a move seen as an attempt to encourage open dialogue between Baghel and the Channi camp.
Sources indicated that Baghel has already conveyed to party leaders that organisational discipline must be maintained during the ongoing consultations. While he is expected to hear grievances from all sides, the Congress leadership is also keen to prevent internal disagreements from spilling into the public domain.
The Channi camp is understood to be seeking direct intervention from the party’s top leadership after presenting its concerns to Baghel. Several leaders have maintained that any long-term resolution should involve consultations with Rahul Gandhi once he returns from his overseas engagements.
Political analysts believe the Congress is confronting a difficult balancing act in Punjab. Channi continues to command influence among Dalit voters, an important electoral constituency in the state, while Raja Warring remains the officially appointed state chief with the backing of the high command. Reconciling the ambitions of both camps could prove crucial for the party’s prospects in the next Assembly election.
Baghel is expected to brief the Congress leadership in Delhi after concluding his Punjab visit. His report is likely to assess the organisational mood, the demands raised by different factions and possible steps to restore unity. Party observers believe the coming weeks could determine whether the Congress succeeds in closing ranks or faces a prolonged phase of internal discord ahead of the 2027 electoral battle.
