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.