Chandigarh, July 6: All-India Congress Committee general secretary incharge for Punjab, Bhupesh Baghel, lands in Chandigarh to gauge the political atmosphere following the high command’s decision to retain Amrinder Singh Raja Warring at the helm of the state unit. The visit triggers intense backroom diplomacy, with party co-incharges Suraj Thakur, Ravindra Dalvi, and Hina Kavre already camped in the city to open direct channels of communication with disgruntled factions.
The ongoing leadership review has drawn a sharp line between rival camps, particularly those aligned with former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. Insiders maintain that a significant segment of leaders loyal to Channi remain deeply hesitant to join the scheduled deliberations with Baghel. In contrast, those backing the current state chief plan to present a unified front during the central leader’s assessment.
Amidst the friction, individual camps are moving quickly to consolidate their base. A senior organizational leader asserted that both the Warring and Channi factions are working around the clock to secure the allegiances of local representatives. Rumors circulate that those looking for an organizational overhaul might join forces to challenge Warring’s leadership, while a specific cluster of representatives has formally authorized Channi to escalate their structural concerns directly to New Delhi.
Despite the intense posturing, Warring adopted a deeply conciliatory posture when discussing the internal meetings, framing the gatherings as routine party interactions rather than a rebellion.
“Channi Sahib is our elder brother, a senior leader and a former CM,” Warring declared. “If some Congress leaders meet him at his residence, there is nothing wrong in that. Tomorrow, leaders may gather at my residence or at Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa’s home as well. That should not be interpreted as infighting.”
The state unit chief went on to state that the appearance of discord was being misread by observers outside the party.
“There is no factionalism in the Punjab Congress and all party leaders will appear together on a common stage in coming days,” Warring affirmed.
