Punjab Congress crisis: Simmering tensions within Punjab's Congress unit came to a head on Saturday as AICC state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel held a nearly two-hour closed-door meeting with a rebel faction of party leaders in Chandigarh. The discussion, described by those present as heated, saw dissenting MPs and MLAs make it clear they were unwilling to continue working under the current state party chief, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.

The rebel group, comprising three MPs and nine MLAs, was joined by former Chief Minister Charanjit Channi, who argued that Warring's resignation would serve the party's larger interests. Rajya Sabha MP Sukhjinder Randhawa was more direct in his criticism, stating that the party could not afford a leader seen as compromised and needed someone willing to take a firmer stand. Several other leaders echoed similar concerns, questioning Warring's performance since taking charge.

Throughout the meeting, Baghel reportedly tried to calm tempers by assuring attendees that their grievances would be conveyed to the party's central leadership. Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa also weighed in, suggesting the high command should reconsider its recent leadership decisions.

According to sources, MLA Pargat Singh took a swipe at Baghel's public approach, suggesting he should focus on saving the party rather than giving interviews. Responding to the criticism after the meeting, Baghel said he would submit a full report to the high command, adding that no leader with divided loyalties would be tolerated and that tickets would go to candidates capable of winning. He also assured attendees that no one should feel unsupported by the leadership.

In a twist that raised eyebrows, Baghel arrived over an hour late for the rebel faction's meeting, having first met with Warring himself. After hearing out complaints against the party chief, Baghel left for the airport in a vehicle driven personally by Warring, a detail that has since fuelled speculation about the AICC in-charge's actual position on the leadership row.

Randhawa: 'Decisions can be reversed'

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Randhawa said the delegation had urged Baghel to prioritise strengthening the party, voicing concerns raised by grassroots workers about the road ahead. "We had a good conversation with him. We also reminded him that the party has reversed decisions before," he said, adding that Congress needed a leader capable of standing firm against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party's alleged corruption and that only a united Congress could challenge it effectively.

Pargat Singh: "It's now up to the high command"

MLA Pargat Singh said the meeting covered various shortcomings within the state unit, with Baghel assuring leaders they remained one team despite occasional differences. Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's past remarks about "sleeper cells" within the party, Singh said he had no specific knowledge of who might fit that description, noting that the discussion had remained general in nature. "It's a simple matter now — it's up to the high command," he said.

Warring responds: "Did they name me?"

Reacting to questions about "compromised" leaders, Warring pushed back, asking reporters whether anyone had actually named him. He said Randhawa's comments about avoiding compromised leadership were valid in principle, noting that he and Randhawa had worked closely together for nearly five years , a partnership, he argued, that would not have lasted if either were compromised.

He acknowledged that allegations of leaders maintaining ties with rival parties, including the BJP and AAP, were a legitimate concern, and agreed Punjab Congress should have no room for such figures. Warring added that any friction between him and Randhawa was minor and would likely be resolved within a day or two.

Channi Camp shows strength

Despite the high command reportedly asking Channi to limit his delegation to two or three leaders, his camp showed up in force. The rebel faction claimed representatives from 92 of Punjab's 117 assembly constituencies attended. Ahead of the meeting, the group pushed for Channi to be declared the party's Chief Ministerial face for the 2027 elections, arguing that if leadership isn't handed to him, at least a CM candidate should be named to campaign around.

Why did Baghel meet Channi after a four-day delay?

Channi and his supporters have been reluctant to contest the 2027 elections under Warring's leadership. After the high command reaffirmed Warring as party chief, an unhappy Channi reportedly boycotted Baghel, seeking a direct meeting with Rahul Gandhi instead,  a meeting that did not materialise due to scheduling constraints. The high command subsequently directed both leaders to meet. Baghel is expected to submit his complete assessment of the situation to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal.