Bhupesh Baghel meets Channi Camp, rules out Punjab Congress Rift; Assures leaders' issues will be conveyed to high command; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 11, 2026: In a bid to defuse speculation over growing dissent within the Punjab Congress, AICC General Secretary and Punjab affairs in-charge Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday declared that there was “no resentment” in the state unit after holding a marathon meeting with former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and several senior party leaders at the residence of MLA Rana Gurjit Singh in Chandigarh.
The meeting, attended by more than three dozen senior Congress leaders, former ministers, MLAs, MPs and office-bearers of the party’s youth wings, assumed significance as it came in the backdrop of dissatisfaction among a section of leaders over the recent organisational reshuffle in Punjab and speculation surrounding the future of the state leadership ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Baghel sought to dismiss reports of factionalism and insisted that all leaders remained united behind the Congress high command.
“Koi naraz nahi hai. Kisi ko aiteraaz nahi hai. Sab party high command ke saath hain,” Baghel said.
He acknowledged that several leaders had raised organisational issues during the discussions and assured them that every concern would be placed before the party leadership.
“I spoke with all my colleagues. They shared their views and no one has any objection to the High Command’s decision. Everyone stands with the High Command. Some colleagues raised certain issues, and I assured them that I would look after everyone’s interests,” he said.
Baghel also stressed that capable leaders would receive opportunities irrespective of political backing.
“No one should feel disadvantaged because they do not have the support of a big leader. If a candidate has the ability to win, they will certainly get the ticket,” he remarked.
Clarifying the agenda of the meeting, Baghel said no discussion was held regarding ticket distribution or any change in the state leadership.
“The issues raised by our colleagues will be conveyed to the High Command. There is no resentment. No discussions were held regarding tickets. I mentioned that on my own,” he said.
When asked about speculation over replacing Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Baghel categorically replied, “No such talk took place. All is well.”
Meeting Amid Organisational Churn
The meeting was convened at the residence of senior Congress leader and MLA Rana Gurjit Singh and was widely seen as an effort by the party high command to engage with leaders who had expressed reservations over the recent organisational appointments.
Among those present were former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, former ministers Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Gurpreet Singh Kangar, Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Gurkirat Singh Kotli and O.P. Soni, MLAs Pargat Singh, Hardev Singh Laddi Sherowalia, Kuldeep Singh ‘Kala’ Dhillon and Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal, besides several former MLAs, former MPs, Punjab Youth Congress President Shubham Sharma, former PYC chief Barinder Singh Dhillon, NSUI Punjab president Isharpreet Singh, and other senior functionaries.
The gathering marked one of the largest consultations held by the Congress in Punjab since the organisational reshuffle.
Randhawa Says Raja Warring Should Have Attended
Before the meeting began, senior Congress leader and MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa remarked that Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring should have attended the discussions on his own.
“Raja Warring is the state party president. He should have come on his own. I have no grudges against him. I have worked with him. He ought to realise who is actually upset,” Randhawa told reporters.
Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi refrained from revealing the agenda before the meeting, saying discussions should take place first before drawing conclusions.
Congress MLA Pargat Singh maintained that any differences within the party would be resolved internally.
“Whatever grievances or differences exist, we will keep internal matters within the family. We will not discuss them on a public platform,” he said.
Congress MLA Parminder Singh Pinky also rejected reports of factionalism, asserting that the party remained united and describing the narrative of infighting as one created by political opponents.
Focus on 2027 Assembly Elections
Saturday’s meeting is part of a broader exercise by the Congress leadership to consolidate the organisation in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Over the past week, Bhupesh Baghel has been holding consultations with senior leaders following concerns expressed over the party’s recent organisational restructuring.
While the discussions highlighted differing viewpoints within the state unit, Baghel’s repeated assertion that “there is no resentment” and his assurance that all concerns would be conveyed to the Congress high command indicate an attempt by the party leadership to project unity while addressing grievances through internal dialogue.