Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh walked out of Haryana's Sunaria jail after being granted a 21-day furlough. Serving a 20-year prison sentence for raping two female disciples, this temporary release marks his 17th walkout since his conviction in 2017.

This is his third release, following temporary leaves granted in January (40 days) and May (30 days).Under heavy security cover, he traveled directly to the Dera headquarters in Sirsa, Haryana, to spend his furlough period.The frequent approvals trace back to amendments in the Haryana Good Conduct Prisoners (Temporary Release) Act, 2022, which streamlined the rules for convict leaves based on behavioral records.

• VIP Treatment Allegations: Opposition political figures, legal experts, and social activists continue to question why a convict serving a 20-year sentence receives repeated temporary relief, accumulating hundreds of days outside prison over the past few years.

• Political Timing: Critics often link the timing of his releases to crucial regional political events or election cycles due to his extensive vote-bank influence across Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

• Public Faith in the Justice System: Sikh organizations like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have strongly protested these releases, arguing that frequent concessions weaken public confidence in criminal justice accountability.

A fresh political row has erupted in Maharashtra after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the Indian National Congress of paying social media influencers ₹25,000 to attend Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s student outreach event in Pune. Calling it a "manufactured PR campaign," the BJP alleged that the opposition party lacks genuine youth support and is resorting to paid crowd-building tactics.

The Allegations: Paid Attendance and Sponsored Content

The controversy centers around a viral audio clip and video shared by BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari and official party handles on social media. The clip purportedly features a call between an unidentified social media content creator and a person named "Shantanu," allegedly linked to event coordination.

According to the BJP, the caller offers the creator ₹25,000 to travel to Pune, attend the event, conduct interviews with student attendees, and upload promotional videos to their social media handles. Sharing the video clip, the BJP tweeted, "Even public support has to be bought for Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi’s leadership is so weak that even event attendance needs to be paid for."

 'Chhatron Ki Gunj'

The event in question is the Pune leg of Rahul Gandhi’s nationwide youth and student outreach initiative titled "Chhatron Ki Gunj". Scheduled to take place at the SSPMS College Ground in Pune, the specific edition focuses on providing a platform exclusively for young women and Gen-Z youth to voice their concerns on social, economic, and safety issues. The organizers expect a crowd of 8,000 to 10,000 participants.

Police Directives and Strict Security Conditions

Amid the brewing political friction, the Pune City Police granted conditional permission for the rally under strict directives. Authorities issued a 30-point guideline to maintain public order:

• Prohibition of Provocative Banners: Organizers are strictly banned from displaying inflammatory or objectionable posters and portraits.

• Capacity & Entry Controls: Venue capacity limits must be strictly adhered to, with separate, enclosed frisking points for women staffed exclusively by female personnel.

• No Drones or Beam Lights: High-intensity skyward lights and unauthorized drone videography are completely banned.

• Legal Accountability: The police emphasized that any breach of law and order or failure to comply with safety norms will make the event organizers legally liable and lead to immediate permit cancellation.

Growing Trend of Social Media Warfare

The political clash underscores an escalating trend in Indian politics, where major parties increasingly leverage digital content creators and Gen-Z influencers to shape public narrative. While the Congress party has not issued an official response to the video allegations, the episode highlights the intensifying campaign strategies as parties fight for the youth vote bank.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, staged a sit-in demonstration outside the Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi. The senior Congress leader took to the streets alongside 19-year-old student Sahil Lochab, demanding the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) over allegations that security forces used pellet guns during student demonstrations.

Rahul Gandhi initially visited the Mandir Marg police station before approaching the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) at Parliament Street. Following failed discussions with senior officers over filing an FIR against responsible personnel, Gandhi sat on a dharna directly outside the DCP's office.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy stems from a student protest march to Parliament held on July 20, organized to demonstrate against paper leaks and exam irregularities. During the agitation, security forces deployed crowd-control measures.

Sahil Lochab, a resident of Najafgarh, suffered serious pellet injuries to his right eye and abdomen during the clash. He subsequently underwent surgery at the AIIMS Trauma Centre, though metal fragments remain lodged near his vital organs.

Congress representatives stated that Lochab filed an official written complaint on August 14 and pursued it again via email on August 17. However, Delhi Police allegedly refused to issue an acknowledgment, assign an Investigating Officer (IO), or register an FIR for the cognizable offense.

Rahul Gandhi's Demands and Political Escalation

While holding up a small box containing extracted pellets during his protest, Gandhi directly questioned the authorities on the source of the ammunition:

• Demand for Accountability: Gandhi demanded to know who authorized the use of lethal or semi-lethal weapons on peaceful student protesters.

• Direct Allegations: He claimed police officials admitted off-camera that orders from higher authorities barred them from registering an FIR against the security forces.

• Refusal to Back Down: The Congress leader announced that neither he nor the victim would leave the site until an official case was registered against those responsible.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other senior party leaders quickly joined the sit-in. Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were deployed around the police station as security was heightened.

Police Response and Inquiry Status

Delhi Police officials maintained that an umbrella FIR regarding the July 20 protest events had already been registered and is currently under investigation. Additionally, reports surfaced citing police diary entries which noted that Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel fired plastic pellets to disperse the crowds. The Supreme Court of India has also established a high-powered committee led by a former Supreme Court judge to investigate claims of police excess during the student agitation.

Actor-turned-politician and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has stirred a fresh political and social media storm after launching a fierce attack on veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah. Responding to Shah’s earlier provocative remarks about Bollywood celebrities remaining silent on ongoing student protests, Kangana publicly labeled him a "lomdi" (fox) and questioned his loyalty to the nation.

The Origin: Naseeruddin Shah’s "Dog With a Bone" Metaphor

The conflict traces back to remarks made by Naseeruddin Shah regarding the silence of A-list Bollywood celebrities during student demonstrations across the country. Criticizing the film industry's silence on social and political issues, Shah had used a metaphor stating:

"They’ll do it when their conscience tells them to. There’s a saying: a dog with a bone in its mouth can’t bark. As soon as the bone drops out of their mouth, or it breaks their teeth, then they will bark."

Shah’s comment drew sharp responses from several political and film figures who viewed the analogy as an insult to public figures exercising personal restraint.

Piyush Mishra Intervenes and Challenges Shah

Actor-singer Piyush Mishra recently reignited the debate while attending a demonstration in Ranchi, Jharkhand, supporting job aspirants protesting over recruitment exam irregularities. Mishra directly challenged Naseeruddin Shah’s analogy, asking why those who criticized Bollywood silence on national protests were absent when local students in Jharkhand were facing police action.

Mishra questioned Shah’s selective vocalism and pointed out the inconsistency in demanding film industry involvement in political protests.

Kangana Ranaut Reacts: "Khaate Toh Iss Desh Ka Hain"

Supporting Piyush Mishra’s stance, Kangana Ranaut posted a sharp response on her social media handles. Re-sharing news reports of Mishra’s statements, the Mandi MP defended her loyalty to India while delivering a direct hit at Naseeruddin Shah:

"Sach toh yeh hai har koi kisi na kisi ka kutta hai, lekin mujhe iss baat ka garv hai ki main jis ghar (desh) ki roti khati hoon uski rakhwali karti hoon / uske liye ladti hoon. Naseer Saab khaate toh iss desh ka hain lekin ladte padosi desh ke liye hain."

(Translation: "The truth is that everyone is someone's dog, but I am proud that I guard and fight for the home whose bread I eat. Naseer Saab eats the bread of this country, but fights for the neighboring country.")

Addressing the animal metaphor directly, Ranaut added:

"In today's time it's a compliment for humans to be called a dog because loyalty and cuteness is so rare. I'd rather be a dog than a lomdi (fox) like Naseeruddin."

Broader Context and Escalating Political Row

Kangana Ranaut’s latest comments come amidst a broader national conversation surrounding student-led demonstrations. Previously, Ranaut faced backlash for her criticism of Gen Z protestors at Jantar Mantar and Delhi, though she later highlighted student issues in Jharkhand, criticizing local administration responses to job aspirants.

The exchange between Shah, Mishra, and Ranaut underscores the ongoing divide within Bollywood over political involvement and public advocacy.

NEW DELHI:

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has stepped up his offensive against the Centre's ethanol-blending policy, demanding that fuel stations must give consumers a clear choice between pure petrol and E20 fuel. Addressing a virtual and physical 'National Town Hall' on the E20 fuel crisis, Kejriwal warned that if the government fails to address public grievances, a protest march will be led to the Prime Minister’s residence on August 4.

Key Highlights from Kejriwal’s Town Hall Address:

• Ultimatum for August 4: Kejriwal announced that the party will compile public petitions until the afternoon of August 3. Following this, a delegation of around 100 people will march to the PM's residence to submit an online petition that has already garnered over 2 lakh signatures.

• "Why Force It on Citizens?": Questioning the viability of the policy, Kejriwal asked why ethanol is being aggressively promoted if it offers no clear benefits. He also alleged that ethanol production plants severely pollute underground water tables in surrounding areas.

• Demand for Transparency: Kejriwal challenged the government to make public the official study report which claims that E20 fuel causes zero damage to automobile engines.

• Turning 30 Crore Vehicles to Scrap: Slamming the Centre earlier this week, Kejriwal accused the Modi government of high-handedness, stating that forcing E20 fuel on roughly 30 crore pre-2023 vehicles currently running on Indian roads is effectively turning them into scrap.

Why is E20 Fuel Facing Nationwide Backlash?

The 20% ethanol and 80% petrol blend (E20) has triggered widespread discontent, particularly among owners of vehicles manufactured before 2023. Motorists have raised serious concerns, reporting:

• Drastic drops in vehicle mileage.

• Escalated maintenance and repair costs.

• Premature corrosion and damage to engine parts.

During the town hall, citizens and transport stakeholders from multiple states shared their firsthand struggles with E20 usage, amplifying pressure on the central administration to re-evaluate the policy.

ISLAMABAD / NEW DELHI — Amid escalating economic distress and mounting public frustration, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has issued a stark warning regarding potential youth-led civil unrest. Expressing concern over the state of the nation's governance, Naqvi warned that rising discontent among young citizens could trigger a massive political backlash. Borrowing terminology popularized during recent student movements in neighboring India, Naqvi remarked that if disgruntled young people unite, "they can overturn everything."

Admission of Systemic Collapse and Mounting Debt

In an unusually candid address shared widely across news and social media platforms, Pakistan’s Interior Minister acknowledged the profound structural and financial crises gripping the country.

"The system in which we live has collapsed whether you accept it or not. For 70 years, we have been trying to drag this system along," Naqvi stated during a public gathering.

Highlighting the compounding economic failure, Naqvi criticized the continuous reliance on borrowing. He noted that federal budget discussions consistently center on calculating annual debt additions rather than implementing systemic reform. With rising national debt and limited job prospects, the minister cautioned that the government's inability to fulfill the aspirations of its young population poses an existential risk to political stability.

The 'Cockroach' Terminology and Context

Naqvi's usage of the term "cockroaches" references a youth-driven, satirical political movement that recently emerged in India. Known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)—founded as an online civic engagement platform—the movement gained significant traction among students and Gen Z activists protesting examination paper leaks and administrative oversights.

Addressing the risk of similar movements igniting in Pakistan, Naqvi warned officials against underestimating youth frustration:

"We are unable to give our youth what they want. You can call them youth or cockroaches or whatever. But if these cockroaches get together, then they can overturn everything."

Cross-Border Echoes and Regional Reactions

The social media traction generated by Indian student movements found resonance among young net-citizens across South Asia, including Pakistan, where youth face similar economic hurdles, inflation, and high unemployment.

In response to reports surrounding online solidarity between Gen Z groups across the border, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) maintained its focus on core bilateral issues. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that the primary concern remains state-sponsored cross-border terrorism, urging Pakistani leadership to prioritize systemic stability and address domestic demands constructively.

With over 60% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, political analysts note that Naqvi’s remarks highlight a deep-seated anxiety within Islamabad's political establishment. Unless concrete economic reforms are enacted to address inflation and job scarcity, the threat of widespread youth mobilization remains a critical challenge for the government.

New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has reportedly resigned from the party and stepped back from active political duties, citing personal reasons. The news broke after sharp-eyed social media users noticed major modifications to his official account on X (formerly Twitter), where all references to his role as a BJP spokesperson were removed.

While no formal statement has been officially released by the BJP leadership or Poonawalla himself, source-based reports confirm that he tendered his resignation to the party top brass.

The Updated X Bio: Dropping the Party Tag

On Thursday evening, Poonawalla posted a screenshot of his updated X profile accompanied by the brief caption, "My updated bio".

His updated bio now reads:

"Religion: Islam, Culture: Hindu, Ideology: Bhartiya, Author: GST Ki Yatra; Lifelong follower of PM Narendra Modi."

Notably absent from the bio is his title as the National Spokesperson for the BJP. Despite removing party affiliations, Poonawalla reiterated his personal admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing himself as a "lifelong follower".

Hints of Transition Away from Active Politics

Poonawalla's social media activity over recent weeks had already fueled widespread speculation regarding his political future. Following his bio update, he reposted several clips from earlier interviews where he discussed his views on active politics and public service.

In one video clip initially recorded in January 2025, Poonawalla emphasized that societal contribution should not be tied strictly to holding electoral posts or party positions. He noted that political goals and electoral goals are distinct, arguing that individuals can make meaningful contributions to the nation even outside formal political structures.

In another clip originally shared in June 2025, Poonawalla disclosed that he had originally intended to step back from active politics following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, he extended his tenure to assist the party through critical Assembly elections across states like West Bengal, Delhi, Haryana, Bihar, and Maharashtra. Reposting the clip with the caption "I'm already 2 years late on this..", he signaled that the time had come to finally transition to the next phase.

From Congress Rebel to Prominent BJP Face

Shehzad Poonawalla, a lawyer and activist by background, first gained nationwide political prominence in 2017. Originally associated with the Indian National Congress, he made headlines after publicly criticizing the party's internal presidential election process, alleging non-transparency and dynastic favor toward Rahul Gandhi.

After parting ways with the Congress, Poonawalla formally joined the BJP. He was subsequently appointed as a national spokesperson and given organizational roles, including heading the party's social media wing in Delhi in 2021. Over the years, he became one of the most recognizable and vocal panellists for the BJP across television debates and digital media platforms, known for his energetic defense of government policies and sharp critiques of opposition parties.

Current Status and Political Outlook

While political observers continue to monitor developments, no official press conference or formal party communiqué has been issued regarding his future role or next steps. Poonawalla's departure marks a significant shift for the party's media wing, given his prominent media presence over the past several years.

The United States has officially implemented an additional 10% tariff on goods imported from India. Initiated under the direction of the US Trade Representative (USTR), this action targets 60 countries in a broader crackdown on goods produced using forced labor. The new regulations went into effect this Friday under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.

How the Tariffs are Structured

The US has applied extra tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% across 60 nations:

• The 10% Bracket: Includes 17 countries, such as India, the UK, Canada, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Mexico, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

• The 12.5% Bracket: Applies to the remaining 43 countries that have not taken sufficient steps to ban forced labor in their supply chains.

Why Did India Get 10% Instead of 12.5%?

Initially, India was slated for the higher 12.5% tariff. However, active diplomatic discussions and swift policy action led to a reduction. On June 14, the Indian government amended its foreign trade policy to improve labor standard monitoring and supply chain transparency. Acknowledging these positive steps toward protecting worker rights, the US granted a 2.5% relief, keeping India in the lower tariff tier.

Which Indian Sectors Will Be Hit Hardest?

As the US is India's largest export market, these extra tariffs will make Indian products more expensive for American buyers, potentially shifting demand to alternative markets. The sectors heavily reliant on US exports include:

• Textiles and Garments

• Gems and Jewelry

• Leather Products

• Agriculture and Food Products

• Engineering Goods

• Chemicals and Manufacturing Items

What is Section 301 and Forced Labor?

• Forced Labor: Defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as a severe human rights violation where individuals are made to work against their will through threats, debt bondage, or document confiscation. The US is utilizing import restrictions to force global supply chains to eliminate these practices.

• Section 301 (Trade Act of 1974): This allows the US government to take retaliatory action—such as increased tariffs or import bans—against countries whose trade practices are deemed unfair, discriminatory, or harmful to American commerce.

While the reduced 10% tariff softens the blow for Indian exporters, it serves as a clear signal that the US expects continued and effective enforcement of labor standards and transparent supply chains moving forward.

New Delhi/Chandigarh: Ahead of a crucial Punjab Congress meeting in Delhi today (July 21) chaired by state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, a video of former Chief Minister and MP Charanjit Singh Channi has gone viral, hinting at underlying internal rifts. The footage, reportedly from the Parliament premises during the first day of the Monsoon Session (July 20), shows senior Congress leaders ostensibly ignoring the former Punjab CM.

In the video, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are seen conversing, accompanied by party general secretary KC Venugopal. When Charanjit Singh Channi arrives, he bypasses the Gandhis and instead stands behind with Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla. Notably, neither Rahul nor Priyanka Gandhi appears to acknowledge Channi's presence during the interaction.

The Battle for the 'Real Boss' of Punjab Congress

The viral video has surfaced on the very day the Congress high command is set to resolve the leadership dynamics for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The high-stakes meeting at Indira Bhavan, convened by Bhupesh Baghel, will bring the top brass of the Punjab Congress—including State President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Charanjit Singh Channi, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, and Sukhjinder Randhawa—under one roof.

This marks the first face-to-face encounter between Channi and Warring since their factionalism became public knowledge. While the official agenda is election preparation, party sources indicate that clear boundaries will be drawn for all leaders.

What to Expect from the Delhi Meeting:

• Warring to Retain Control: The Congress high command and Rahul Gandhi are reportedly not in favor of major organizational changes before the elections. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring is expected to retain the state presidency, keeping overall command of the election campaign and committee coordination.

• Placating the Channi Faction: To balance the power dynamics, the high command may offer Channi a more prominent role in ticket distribution. He might also receive reassurances that his name will be considered for the Chief Ministerial face if the party secures a majority.

• All Eyes on Body Language: With both leaders in the same room, political observers will closely monitor the body language of Warring and Channi to gauge whether the internal conflict has been genuinely resolved or merely postponed.

• No Immediate CM Face Announcement: KC Venugopal is expected to deliver a clear message: the sole focus right now is winning the election. Announcing a CM face prematurely could shift focus from the organization to individual ambitions.

• Final Warning Against Indiscipline: The high command is prepared to issue a stern warning against public bickering. Any public statements, factionalism, or questioning of leadership post-meeting will invite strict disciplinary action. The party wants to operate strictly on a "One Command, One Message" strategy.

• The Ultimate Game Plan: The party aims to strike a balance between organizational stability and electoral appeasement. By keeping Warring at the helm of the organization and giving Channi a say in future ticket distribution, the high command's formula is clear: "One Command, Respect for All."

NEW DELHI / CHANDIGARH: Amid a brewing rebellion within the Punjab Congress, senior party leader Rahul Gandhi rushed to meet national president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi immediately after returning from his foreign trip. The two top leaders are set to deliberate on a crucial assessment report submitted by AICC Punjab In-charge Bhupesh Baghel, which will ultimately dictate the future course of the party in Punjab.

Bhupesh Baghel had recently concluded a high-stakes 6-day tour of Punjab to assess internal friction. He submitted his findings to Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, who has already held preliminary discussions with Kharge. The final decision on the fate of the state unit now rests with Rahul Gandhi.

Bhupesh Baghel's Verdict: No CM Face for Punjab

In a massive blow to the dissident faction, Bhupesh Baghel took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to clear the air. He explicitly stated that the Congress party will not project any Chief Ministerial face in Punjab.

"The Congress party has only one face in Punjab, and that is Rahul Gandhi," Baghel declared.

This statement has flatly rejected the ongoing demands from the rebel camp to project former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi as the face of the party. Earlier, Baghel had also firmly shot down the demands to replace the current Punjab Congress chief, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring.

Channi Camp Digs in Heels, Demands Meeting with Rahul Gandhi

Meanwhile, the internal rift has widened as the Charanjit Singh Channi faction prepares to move its base to Delhi. The camp is eagerly waiting to secure an appointment with Rahul Gandhi to present their side of the story.

During the final meeting of Baghel’s Punjab tour, leaders from the Channi camp made it explicitly clear that they are deeply dissatisfied with Amarinder Singh Raja Warring's leadership.

• Senior leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa reportedly stated that the party cannot function under a "compromised leadership."

• Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also urged the high command to urgently reconsider the state leadership structure.

Silence in the Rebel Rank Ahead of Delhi High Command Meet

With Bhupesh Baghel leaving Chandigarh for Delhi without offering an immediate resolution, Punjab Congress remains a divided house. For now, top leaders of the Channi faction have reportedly issued internal directives to maintain strict silence and avoid speaking to the media until they get an audience with Rahul Gandhi.

With the high command firmly backing Raja Warring and ruling out a regional CM face, all eyes are now on Delhi to see how Rahul Gandhi handles the mounting pressure from Punjab's veteran leadership.

NEW DELHI – The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is actively working towards implementing the 'One Nation, One Election' (ONOE) system in India in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. According to JPC Chairman P.P. Chaudhary, the initiative has received overwhelming backing, with approximately 99% of consulted citizens and organizations expressing their support.

Consultations and Upcoming JPC Report

The committee has been actively seeking input from experts and state leaders. During a recent visit to Goa, the JPC consulted with the Chief Minister and cabinet ministers.

BJP MP and JPC member Anurag Thakur highlighted the necessity of the reform, stating that if frequent elections disrupt governance and development in a small state like Goa, the adverse impact on larger states and the nation as a whole is significantly greater.

Next Steps for the JPC:

• Lucknow Visit: The committee's next destination is Lucknow, where they will hold discussions with the Chief Minister, opposition leaders, political parties, and various department officials.

• Report Submission: The JPC is scheduled to finalize its report and present it in Parliament on July 17.

Constitutional Feasibility and the Need for Consensus

Implementing simultaneous elections across a massive democracy requires significant structural adjustments. Anand Paliwal, former Law Commission member and Dean of Law at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, confirmed that constitutional options exist to roll out ONOE in phases.

To synchronize the electoral cycles, the government may need to:

• Hold elections in certain states before their current assembly terms officially end.

• Extend the tenures of specific state assemblies as a one-time adjustment.

Paliwal noted that India has altered the tenures of both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies under special circumstances in the past. However, executing this on a national scale will strictly require legal amendments passed by Parliament and broad political consensus.

Background: How the Electoral Cycle Shifted

The push for 'One Nation, One Election' aims to restore India's original electoral framework.

• The Golden Era of Simultaneous Polls (1952–1967): India successfully conducted concurrent elections for the Lok Sabha and most state assemblies four times.

• The Disruption: Post-1967, political instability caused several state governments to collapse. Between 1968 and 1969, multiple state assemblies were dissolved, and in 1970, the Lok Sabha was dissolved prematurely.

• The Aftermath: Mid-term Lok Sabha elections in 1971 permanently decoupled national and state poll schedules. Since then, coalition governments, the imposition of President's Rule, and premature elections have further widened the gap.

Both the Law Commission and NITI Aayog have repeatedly recommended returning to a unified electoral cycle to save public funds and reduce administrative fatigue.

To formalize this effort, a high-level panel chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind was established on September 2, 2023. After 191 days of extensive research and stakeholder consultations, the panel submitted its comprehensive recommendations to President Droupadi Murmu on March 14, laying the groundwork for the current JPC actions.

Chandigarh: The threat of a split looms over the Punjab Congress ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. A crucial meeting lasting nearly two hours took place between the rebel Congress faction led by former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi, and AICC in-charge Bhupesh Baghel at Rana Gurjit's residence in Chandigarh. Baghel, who arrived about an hour and fifteen minutes late for the scheduled 11:00 AM meeting, is set to leave for Delhi today.

"Will Protect Everyone's Interests," Says Baghel

Following the meeting, Bhupesh Baghel addressed the media, stating:

"I have been in Chandigarh for 5 days and have met all the leaders. Today, I was invited by Rana Gurjit. I spoke to all our colleagues; they shared their views. No one has any objection to the party high command's decisions."

Baghel added that he assured the leaders that, as the in-charge, he would safeguard everyone's interests. "Those who are capable of winning will definitely get tickets. No one should feel they lack backing. I will submit my complete report to the high command," he stated.

Channi Faction's Show of Strength and Demands

Despite the high command’s instructions for Channi to meet with only 2-3 leaders, around 80 leaders from his faction gathered, putting on a massive show of strength.

• Primary Demand: The rebel faction demanded that if Charanjit Channi is not appointed as the state president, he must be declared the Chief Ministerial face for the 2027 elections to consolidate votes in Punjab.

• The high command has already clarified that Amarinder Singh Raja Warring will not be removed from the president's post. Notably, on Channi's condition, PPCC President Raja Warring was not invited to this meeting.

Raja Warring's Response & Zira’s Cryptic Post

While the meeting was underway, PPCC President Raja Warring downplayed his absence, stating, "I am not attending the meeting. The General Secretary in-charge acts as a mediator. It is not necessary for the president to go everywhere. There is unity in Congress, which is why this meeting is happening."

Meanwhile, Warring loyalist and former MLA Kulbir Singh Zira shared a cryptic photo with the caption: "No matter how many jackals and other animals are in the jungle, there is only one lion. Even alone, he rules the entire jungle." This is being seen as a direct message amidst the political tussle.

2 Major Developments Before the Meeting

1. Support from Buta Singh's Family: On Friday, the son of late former Union Home Minister Buta Singh met Channi in Morinda and publicly demanded that Channi be made the CM face. This move is seen as a pressure tactic, especially after Raja Warring's recent objectionable comments about late Buta Singh during the Tarn Taran by-election.

2. Baghel’s Stern Warning: Before the meeting, Baghel sent a clear message to the Channi faction that strict action would be taken if lines were crossed. Terming it "not a child’s play," Baghel made it clear that the high command's decision is final.

Why Did Baghel Meet Channi After 4 Days?

The Channi faction is reportedly unwilling to fight the 2027 elections under Raja Warring's leadership. When the high command retained Warring, the disgruntled Channi faction initially boycotted Baghel and sought a direct meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Denied an immediate appointment, the high command instructed both Channi and Baghel to hold this meeting. Baghel will now submit his report to Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and KC Venugopal.

Expert Opinion: "Congress Cannot Sideline Channi"

• Prof. Dr. Krishan Kumar Rattu (Political Expert): Charanjit Singh Channi is a prominent Dalit-Sikh leader. Keeping the 32% Dalit vote bank in Punjab in mind, it is not easy for the Congress high command to sideline him.

• Pramod Batish (Senior Journalist): No final decision will come from this meeting as Baghel lacks the authority to resolve the Channi faction's core grievances. If the high command does not find a middle ground after consulting Rahul Gandhi, the party may head towards a split.