Punjab Congress in-charge Baghel dismisses infighting, backs Raja Warring
Synopsis
Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel publicly dismissed factionalism in the state unit — but leaders aligned with former CM Charanjit Singh Channi are still absent from his meetings. With the high command ruling out any rollback on Raja Warring's reappointment, the real test is whether Baghel can close the gap before the 2027 election cycle takes hold.
Key Takeaways
Bhupesh Baghel , Punjab Congress in-charge, on 8 July rejected reports of factionalism in the state unit.
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring was reappointed as Punjab PCC chief ; the Congress high command has ruled out any rollback.
Leaders close to former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi are yet to meet Baghel, fuelling speculation of an unresolved rift.
Baghel confirmed phone contact with Channi and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa , with in-person meetings expected within one to two days .
The Congress is restructuring party committees in preparation for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections .
Indian National Congress Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday, 8 July firmly rejected reports of factionalism within the Punjab Congress, asserting that all party leaders stand united behind Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who was recently reappointed as president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC). Baghel's remarks came as speculation over internal discord in the state unit intensified ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Background: What Triggered the Speculation
The controversy follows the Congress high command's decision last Wednesday to retain Raja Warring as Punjab PCC chief while simultaneously announcing new party committees for the upcoming state polls. A section of party leaders had reportedly backed former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi for the top state post, and their continued absence from Baghel's meetings has fuelled speculation about a deepening rift.
Baghel arrived in Chandigarh specifically to address the growing unease within the state unit following the organisational reshuffle — a signal that the high command is treating the situation with urgency.
What Baghel Said
Speaking to reporters, Baghel said, 'A meeting of the PCC was held, followed by a meeting with the district presidents. Both committees expressed gratitude to the decisions taken by the High Command. Everyone congratulated Raja Warring on being reappointed as the Punjab Congress President and extended their best wishes.'
He added that consultations were ongoing across party structures. 'Meetings are currently underway and will continue. There are meetings of different committees, and meetings with our various frontal organisations are also scheduled. Apart from that, I am also holding one-on-one meetings with several senior leaders over the next one or two days,' he said.
Rejecting the factionalism narrative outright, Baghel said, 'There is nothing like that. Everyone belongs to the Congress party, and we are all part of the same group. Here, the Congress is one. Our leaders are Rahul Gandhi and Kharge Sahib. Apart from them, there is no one else.'
Channi and Randhawa Yet to Meet Baghel
Notably, leaders considered close to former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi are yet to sit down with Baghel, even as he confirmed telephone contact with both Channi and senior leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. 'I have been in touch with both Randhawa Sahib and Charanjit Singh Channi over the phone. I believe we will meet in the next day or two. We will hold discussions on the party committees as well as preparations for the upcoming elections,' Baghel said.
The absence of Channi-aligned leaders from formal meetings has been widely read as a sign that reconciliation remains a work in progress, even as Baghel publicly projects unity.
High Command's Position
The Congress high command has made its stance unambiguous: there will be no reconsideration or rollback of the organisational decisions already taken. This effectively closes the door on any renegotiation over the PCC chief's post, leaving dissenting leaders with limited room to manoeuvre ahead of the 2027 polls.
How quickly Baghel can bring Channi and Randhawa back into the fold — and whether the party can present a credible unified front before the election cycle begins in earnest — will be closely watched in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
And no amount of phone diplomacy fully substitutes for a face-to-face settlement. The Congress high command's refusal to revisit the PCC chief decision is firm, but firmness alone does not dissolve factional grievances ahead of a consequential state election. Punjab 2027 will demand a cohesive ground organisation; right now, the party is spending political capital managing its own leadership rather than building against the Aam Aadmi Party. The clock is running.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there speculation about infighting in Punjab Congress?
Speculation arose after the Congress high command reappointed Raja Warring as Punjab PCC chief and announced new party committees for the 2027 elections. A section of leaders who had backed former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi for the post have since stayed away from meetings with Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, signalling unresolved tensions.
Who is Bhupesh Baghel and why is he in Punjab?
Bhupesh Baghel is the Congress party's in-charge for Punjab, tasked with managing the state unit. He travelled to Chandigarh to address growing factionalism following the recent organisational reshuffle and to hold consultations with senior party leaders.
Will the Congress high command reverse the decision on Raja Warring?
No. The Congress high command has made clear there will be no reconsideration or rollback of the organisational decisions, including Raja Warring's reappointment as Punjab PCC chief.
Have Charanjit Singh Channi and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa met Baghel?
Not yet, as of 8 July. Baghel confirmed he has spoken with both leaders by phone and expects to meet them within one to two days to discuss party committees and election preparations.
When are the next Punjab Assembly elections?
The next Punjab Assembly elections are scheduled for 2027. The Congress is currently restructuring its state unit and party committees in preparation for the polls.
