Punjab Congress Crisis: Channi on Backfoot as High Command Stands Firm on Raja Warring

Chandigarh: Former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi appears to have stepped back after adopting a rebellious stance against Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. Facing a strict warning from the party high command, Channi broke his silence on Wednesday during a media interaction.

When asked about his displeasure within the party, Channi softened his tone, stating, "My only goal is to take the Congress forward. I will not say anything else on this matter."

"Rahul Gandhi is my leader and will always remain so. All issues will be resolved soon. We will move forward according to the strategy formulated by the party." — Charanjit Singh Channi

Baghel's Stern Message: "Changing the President is Not Child's Play"

Earlier, AICC In-charge for Punjab, Bhupesh Baghel, who is on a 5-day visit to the state, sent a clear message to Channi and his supporters. Baghel explicitly stated that changing the state unit president is "not child's play" and the high command will not reverse its decision. He noted that Raja Warring enjoys the backing of 23 district presidents, who have already given their consent in a meeting.

This tough stance comes after the Channi faction alleged that Baghel had misled the high command with a false report, claiming that the party could not win the 2027 elections under Warring's leadership.

Senior Leaders React

Partap Singh Bajwa (Leader of Opposition): Bajwa took a subtle dig at the rebels, pointing out that in the 2022 elections, despite 10 out of 22 AAP MLAs breaking away, the AAP still won 92 seats. “If senior leaders stay behind, new people will step up. The public will support whoever they have made up their minds about,” he said. He added that the rebel faction should wait a week; if their appeal is rejected, discussions can resume.
Pargat Singh (Jalandhar Cantt MLA): Pargat Singh emphasized that this is not the time for political experiments. “The battle for Punjab is huge, and elections are very close. This is not the time to show strength through photo sessions. We should sort out our minor problems,” he remarked.

Baghel’s 3 Failed Attempts to Pacify Channi

Despite the tough talk, efforts were made to bring Channi to the table, but they fell flat:

The Bajwa Route: Upon reaching Chandigarh, Baghel first met LOP Partap Singh Bajwa, hoping he could mediate. Although Bajwa spoke optimistically to the media, the Channi faction remained rigid.
Verka’s Initiative: Working State President Raj Kumar Verka held a closed-door meeting with Channi before meeting Baghel. However, no leader from the Channi camp subsequently went to meet the AICC in-charge.
The "Tea" Offer: Baghel publicly stated, "If anyone invites me for tea, I will definitely go." Despite this open invitation, the Channi faction maintained its distance on the second day of the tour.

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Responsibilities of New Working Presidents Fixed

Amidst the ongoing turmoil, the party has distributed responsibilities among the newly appointed working presidents:

Sukhwinder Singh Danny: Will work with AICC Secretary Suraj Thakur. He will oversee the 42 assembly constituencies currently managed by Thakur, along with the respective frontal organizations and departments.
Sangat Singh Gilzian: Will coordinate with AICC Secretary Ravindra Dalvi. He has been given the responsibility of 45 assembly constituencies and the associated frontal organizations.
Raj Kumar Verka: Will partner with AICC Secretary Heena Kawre, taking charge of 30 assembly constituencies and their related departments.

Warring’s Show of Strength vs. Channi’s Silent Protest

During the first two days of Baghel's visit, meetings were held with senior leaders, state office bearers, Election Management Committee Chairman Vijay Inder Singla, and Manifesto Committee Chairman Amar Singh. However, Campaign Committee Chairman Charanjit Singh Channi and Core Committee Chairman Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa completely skipped these meetings.

While Raja Warring’s supporters turned up in large numbers to welcome Baghel—sending a strong message about their grip on the organization—the Channi faction remained completely absent from all official programs. Sources indicate that Channi's camp refuses to share a stage with Raja Warring and insists on taking their grievances directly to the high command in Delhi.

What's Next? Wednesday is being viewed as the most crucial day, as Bhupesh Baghel is scheduled to hold one-on-one meetings with senior Punjab Congress leaders. All eyes are on whether Channi and Randhawa will finally meet the AICC in-charge or continue their boycott.