Punjab Congress rift Highl: Bhupesh Baghel holds two-hour meeting with rebel camp, says will submit report to High Command
Bhupesh Baghel held a two-hour meeting with Charanjit Singh Channi's camp in Chandigarh and said he will submit a detailed report to the Congress high command. He also said Assembly tickets will be given based on winnability
Jul 11, 2026 02:07 PM
What happened at the meeting
Amid growing speculation over internal differences within the Punjab Congress ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, AICC in-charge for Punjab Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday held a nearly two-hour meeting with leaders associated with former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi in Chandigarh.
The meeting took place at the residence of Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjit Singh. Although it was scheduled to begin at 11 am, Baghel arrived around an hour and fifteen minutes later. He left for Delhi after the discussions.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Baghel said he had been in Chandigarh for the past five days and had met leaders from across the state.
"I have been in Chandigarh for the last five days and have met all the leaders. Today, Rana Gurjit Singh invited me for this meeting. I interacted with all the colleagues, and everyone had the opportunity to express their views. No one has any objection to the decision taken by the party high command," he said.
Baghel added that some leaders had raised certain concerns during the meeting, which he assured would be conveyed to the Congress leadership.
"As the party's in-charge, I will ensure that the interests of every leader are protected. I will submit a detailed report to the high command. Tickets will be given to candidates who have the ability to win. No leader should feel that they do not have the party's support," he said.
The meeting comes amid continuing discussions over the Punjab Congress leadership ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. While the Congress high command had reportedly asked Channi to meet Baghel along with only a few leaders, nearly 80 leaders from the Channi camp reached the venue, making the gathering a significant show of strength.
Before the meeting, leaders supporting Channi reiterated their demand that the former Chief Minister be declared the Congress' chief ministerial face for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. However, Baghel clarified after the meeting that there was no discussion regarding any change in the post of the Punjab Congress president.
Jul 11, 2026 02:03 PM
'There was no discussion on changing Punjab Congress president'
Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel issues key statement after meeting with Channi camp
Says he will convey the views of all leaders to the Congress high command.
Confirms every leader present got an opportunity to put forward their concerns.
Says Assembly tickets will be given only to candidates with strong winning prospects.
Clarifies that there was no discussion on changing the Punjab Congress president.
Bhupesh Baghel held a meeting with leaders from the Charanjit Singh Channi camp.
Jul 11, 2026 01:58 PM
'There is no discontent, will put our views before High Command', says Baghel after meeting
Jul 11, 2026 01:51 PM
Meeting ends
PTC Web Desk: A crucial meeting between senior Congress leaders from Punjab and AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab affairs, Bhupesh Baghel, is currently underway in Chandigarh amid growing signs of internal discord within the party ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
The meeting is being held at the residence of Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjit Singh in Chandigarh and has brought together leaders associated with former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi. The discussions are expected to play a significant role in determining the party's strategy and leadership dynamics in the state.
Before entering the meeting venue, Channi made a cryptic remark to reporters, saying, "Wait and watch which way the wind blows." His statement has fuelled speculation over the outcome of the talks and the future course of action by his camp.
Speaking to the media, Congress MLA Pargat Singh said Bhupesh Baghel would listen to the concerns of Punjab leaders before submitting a report to the party high command.
Host of the meeting, MLA Rana Gurjit Singh, said leaders who had contested the last Assembly elections had gathered to present their views before the party leadership.
He also questioned the timing of raids conducted at his business establishments, alleging that they coincided with the gathering of Congress legislators at his residence for the meeting.
Sources said a large number of Congress leaders reached the venue in what is being viewed as a show of strength by the Channi camp.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of mounting differences within the Punjab Congress over the party's leadership ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Leaders supporting Channi are understood to have reiterated their demand that he be projected as the Congress' chief ministerial face if the party leadership is unwilling to replace Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring.
According to sources, the Channi camp believes a clear chief ministerial candidate would strengthen the party's campaign and help consolidate support ahead of the Assembly polls.
Notably, Raja Warring is not attending the meeting. Earlier, he said there was no need for the state party chief to be present at every discussion and maintained that the Congress remained united despite internal consultations.
This is a developing story. More details are awaited as the meeting continues.