Punjab Congress dissent persists despite Baghel’s unity pitch; Channi camp pushes for leadership change; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 11, 2026: Even as Congress high command’s Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel publicly declared that there was “no resentment” within the Punjab Congress after Saturday’s marathon meeting with the Charanjit Singh Channi camp, the discussions reportedly revealed deep dissatisfaction among a significant section of senior leaders over the party’s current state leadership.
The nearly two-hour closed-door meeting, held at the residence of senior Congress leader Rana Gurjit Singh in Chandigarh, was attended by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Rajya Sabha MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, several MPs, MLAs, former ministers and senior office-bearers. It was convened following days of speculation over growing unease within the state unit after the recent organisational reshuffle.
Baghel: ‘No One Is Upset’
Addressing the media after the meeting, Baghel insisted that all leaders supported the Congress high command and that the discussions were aimed at resolving organisational concerns rather than challenging the party leadership.
“No one has any objection to the High Command’s decision. Everyone stands with the High Command,” Baghel said.
He added that the concerns raised by leaders would be conveyed to the party leadership and asserted that deserving candidates would receive party tickets irrespective of political patronage.
Baghel also dismissed speculation over any leadership change in the Punjab Congress, saying no discussion took place on replacing state Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.
“There is no resentment. The issues raised by our colleagues will be conveyed to the High Command. No such discussion regarding leadership took place. All is well,” he said.
Inside the Meeting, Leaders Raised Leadership Concerns
However, according to leaders familiar with the discussions, the tone inside the meeting differed significantly from the public messaging.
Several leaders reportedly argued that while they wanted the Congress to return to power in the 2027 Assembly elections, they did not believe the party could achieve that objective under the present state leadership. A large number of leaders are understood to have favoured a change at the top before the party begins its election campaign.
Sources indicated that many participants echoed concerns previously voiced by senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who has publicly questioned the current leadership’s political approach and urged stronger opposition to the AAP government.
Randhawa Questions Warring’s Absence
Before the meeting began, Randhawa also questioned why Punjab Congress president Raja Warring was not present.
“Raja Warring is the state party president. He should have come on his own,” Randhawa told reporters before entering the meeting.
Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi declined to disclose the agenda beforehand, while MLA Pargat Singh maintained that any differences within the party should be resolved internally rather than in public.
Unity Message, But Questions Remain
Although Baghel sought to project unity after the meeting, Saturday’s developments highlighted the challenge before the Congress leadership in balancing public cohesion with internal demands for organisational changes.
With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, the Congress leadership now faces the task of addressing the concerns raised by senior leaders while maintaining organisational unity. Baghel has assured that all issues discussed during the meeting will be placed before the party high command for consideration.