Punjab Congress – Internal Rift Deepens as Leadership Moves to Restore Unity Ahead of 2027 Polls
Punjab Congress -The Punjab Congress is facing renewed internal challenges as the party prepares for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, now less than six months away. A campaign launched under the banner “Har Booth Congress Mazboot” has instead highlighted visible differences between senior leaders, with competing poster campaigns and public disagreements drawing attention across several districts.
Central Leadership Steps In to Ease Tensions
In an effort to calm the situation, Congress organisation general secretary K C Venugopal recently met former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi in New Delhi. According to party sources, Venugopal advised Channi to ensure that his supporters do not interrupt official party programmes and reminded all leaders to avoid making public remarks against fellow party members.
Sources indicated that Channi denied allegations that his supporters were responsible for creating disturbances during organisational events. He also reportedly received assurances that the concerns raised by his camp would be addressed. The Congress leadership is believed to be working on a strategy aimed at bringing different factions together before the election campaign gains momentum.
Bhupesh Baghel Expected to Submit Political Assessment
Party insiders said Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel is likely to submit a detailed report on the state’s political situation after concluding his tour of Punjab. The report is expected to assist the central leadership in resolving organisational issues. Similar discussions with Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Raja Warring are also expected in the coming days.
Poster Campaign Reflects Leadership Dispute
The internal disagreement became more visible when posters targeting senior leaders appeared in Muktsar, the hometown of Amarinder Raja Warring. Some banners criticised Bhupesh Baghel, while others appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to project Charanjit Singh Channi as the face of the party in Punjab and replace the current state leadership.
The following day, local Congress leaders lodged separate complaints with the police, requesting action against the printing press allegedly involved in producing the posters. A former municipal councillor was also accused of arranging the banners, although he denied any involvement in the matter.
Rival Posters Spread Across Multiple Districts
Ahead of a Congress programme in Ferozepur attended by Warring and Baghel, another set of posters carrying criticism of Channi appeared in the city. Similar developments were reported from Bathinda, where posters backed Channi’s leadership, while Amritsar witnessed banners carrying slogans questioning his political loyalty.
The exchange of posters has reflected the growing divide between supporters of both camps, with each side attempting to strengthen its influence ahead of key organisational decisions.
Organisational Meetings Witness Sloganeering
Differences between rival groups were also evident during Congress meetings in districts including Moga, Patiala and Sangrur. Supporters from both sides reportedly raised slogans during organisational events, while clashes were reported at certain gatherings held in the presence of senior party leaders.
Leaders close to Channi have continued to seek a change in the Punjab Congress leadership, arguing that a new organisational structure would help improve the party’s prospects in the upcoming Assembly election.
Party Tries to Project a United Image
Despite the ongoing disagreement, Congress leaders in Ludhiana attempted to present a united front during the visit of senior party functionaries. Posters displayed by the District Congress Committee featured Charanjit Singh Channi alongside Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Ishwarjot Singh Cheema and several other senior leaders, signalling an effort to reduce public perceptions of division.
Last month, supporters of Channi had also appealed to the Congress high command to appoint him as the Punjab Congress president, claiming the party’s electoral prospects would improve under his leadership.
Warring Expresses Readiness for Tough Electoral Contest
Meanwhile, Amarinder Raja Warring stated that he is prepared to contest against Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann if the Congress leadership decides to field him in the Assembly elections. He said he is willing to take on a challenging contest and would accept whichever constituency the party assigns.
Bhagwant Mann currently represents the Dhuri Assembly constituency in Sangrur district.
At the same time, Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa rejected claims of serious infighting within the Punjab unit. He maintained that differences among leaders had largely been addressed and expressed confidence that the Congress would emerge as the leading political force in Punjab in the 2027 Assembly elections.