Chandigarh, August 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Fresh signs of factionalism surfaced within the Punjab Congress on Sunday as supporters of former Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP Charanjit Singh Channi raised slogans in his favour during a party meeting in Barnala attended by AICC General Secretary in-charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel and Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring.
The district-level meeting was part of the Congress’ organisational outreach programme aimed at strengthening its grassroots network ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. However, the event was disrupted when Channi supporters raised slogans including “Charanjit Singh Channi Zindabad” and “Punjab Bachao, Channi Lao”, signalling their demand for a leadership change in the state unit.
The slogan campaign comes amid growing pressure from a section of party leaders seeking Channi’s larger role in Punjab politics. Last month, Channi, along with around 90 party leaders, including MPs and MLAs, reportedly urged the Congress high command to reconsider the state leadership, arguing that the party would struggle electorally under the current arrangement.
The developments mark the second consecutive day of public displays of internal differences during Congress organisational meetings attended by Bhupesh Baghel.
Former Punjab minister Razia Sultana criticised those raising slogans, alleging that some individuals were deliberately attempting to disrupt the party’s organisational efforts. She called for disciplinary action against those responsible and asserted that the Congress remained united and focused on returning to power in Punjab in 2027.
Responding to the incident, PPCC chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring appealed to party workers to maintain discipline. While acknowledging that every worker has the right to express opinions, he stressed that organisational unity and discipline were essential for strengthening the party.
On Saturday, similar scenes were witnessed in Patiala, where Channi supporters raised slogans during another meeting attended by Baghel. Later, rival supporters of Channi and Warring reportedly clashed in Sangrur.
Addressing the ongoing leadership debate, Bhupesh Baghel has maintained that the Congress high command, led by party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, will decide the Chief Ministerial leadership after the Assembly elections if the party secures a mandate. He has urged party leaders and workers to remain focused on strengthening the organisation and preparing for the electoral battle against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party.
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