Punjab Congress Rift Deepens as Faction Seeks State Chief's Removal

A faction of the Punjab Congress led by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is demanding the removal of state party chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.

This internal power struggle threatens the party's stability and cohesion as it prepares for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections in 2027 ^[2]. The rift suggests a fragmented leadership that could struggle to present a unified front against political opponents.

Channi met with Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel in Chandigarh to discuss the leadership crisis. According to reports, the demand to replace Warring is supported by 12 MLAs ^[1]. This group said that a change in leadership is necessary to reorganize the party's strategy and improve its standing within the state.

The conflict has escalated into a public showdown between the camps of Channi and Warring. While Baghel has attempted to mediate the dispute, the divide remains significant, with Channi's supporters continuing to push for a leadership overhaul.

Warring has responded to the efforts of the opposing camp to undermine his position. The tension has persisted despite multiple mediation attempts by the party's central leadership to quell the infighting before the election cycle intensifies.

The struggle for control is centered on who will lead the party's campaign and manage candidate selections for the 2027 polls ^[2]. The outcome of the mediation by Baghel will determine whether the party can resolve its internal contradictions or if the factionalism will lead to further departures from the party.