The leadership clash in Punjab Congress deepens as Congress in‑charge Bhupesh Baghel and ex‑CM Charanjit Channi’s supporters hold a two‑hour meeting that ends without a breakthrough. The demand to oust state president Amarinder Singh Raja Wadling resurfaces, while the party high command reaffirms his position.
Key Takeaways
- Baghel‑Channi’s two‑hour closed‑door meeting yielded no resolution
- Senior leaders reiterated the demand to remove state president Amarinder Singh Raja Wadling
- Congress high command has retained Wadling as Punjab president
The internal power struggle within the Punjab Congress shows no sign of abating. On Saturday, Congress in‑charge Bhupesh Baghel met for about two hours with leaders backing former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, but the discussion failed to produce any concrete outcome. Several senior figures again called for the removal of Amarinder Singh Raja Wadling as state president, while Baghel refused to challenge the decision of the party’s high command.
Background and Historical Context
Factionalism in the Punjab Congress has been simmering since early 2024, when Baghel was appointed as the state in‑charge. The Channi camp, however, has consistently opposed the re‑appointment of Wadling, arguing that a unified and decisive leadership is essential for the upcoming 2027 assembly elections. Previous attempts at organisational overhaul have been thwarted by deep‑seated loyalties and personal rivalries, leaving the party without a clear, consensus‑based direction.
Details of the Closed‑Door Meeting
Attendees included former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, ex‑deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa**, OP Sony, veteran leader **Pratap Singh Bajwa**, MLA **Pargat Singh**, and a host of senior functionaries. Randhawa stressed, “Our priority is to form a Congress government in 2027; for that we need a strong leader who does not compromise.” Baghel responded that he is “engaging with all factions and no one is opposing the high command’s decision, though concerns will be presented to the top leadership.” When asked directly about the demand to remove Wadling, Baghel denied any such move, further widening the rift.
High Command’s Stance and Electoral Implications
The national executive recently issued a fresh organizational list that re‑appointed Wadling as Punjab president, a decision that has inflamed the Channi‑aligned faction, which labels the move a “sleeper cell” maneuver. Political analysts warn that if the Congress fails to reconcile its internal differences, the 2027 polls could tilt in favour of the BJP‑Sharan Singh coalition, which is poised to capitalize on a divided opposition. Conversely, a successful mediation by Baghel could restore credibility and rally the party base ahead of the election.
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks, Baghel is likely to bring the factional grievances back to the high command or propose a new leadership arrangement that satisfies both camps. The pressure from within the party and the external electoral competition are accelerating the need for a decisive resolution. Meanwhile, ordinary voters in Punjab grow increasingly impatient, demanding clear, trustworthy leadership rather than endless infighting.
