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.

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.

The meeting comes just three days after Baghel firmly dismissed speculation about any change in the state leadership, saying the party high command's decisions are not altered repeatedly.

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring confirmed that Baghel had informed him about the scheduled interaction and said the party observer would hold separate discussions with the leaders concerned.

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Senior leaders likely to attend

According to available information, the meeting is likely to be attended by Charanjit Singh Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Rana Gurjit Singh, all of whom have so far not met Baghel during his ongoing Punjab visit.

When asked whether Channi's supporters had requested that Warring stay away from the meeting, the Punjab Congress chief said he had no information about any such demand.

Warring dismisses reports of internal rift

Responding to speculation that some leaders were unwilling to accept his continuation as Punjab Congress president, Raja Warring rejected the claim outright.

He challenged reports of dissent, asking which senior leader had publicly refused to accept his leadership. Referring to Channi, Randhawa, Aruna Chaudhary and Partap Singh Bajwa, Warring said none of them had made such a statement.

He also expressed confidence that the party leadership would soon be seen together.

"In a day or two, you will see all of us together," he said, adding that he held no bitterness towards any party colleague and believed the Congress remained united.

Baghel extends Punjab visit

Baghel, who is also the former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, arrived in Punjab earlier this week to assess the organisation's preparedness for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

Originally scheduled for a five-day tour, he has now extended his visit by three more days to continue consultations with party leaders, legislators and office-bearers across the state.

Since arriving on Monday, he has held a series of meetings aimed at strengthening the organisation ahead of the Assembly elections due early next year.

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Channi camp agrees to meet observer

Earlier this week, leaders considered close to Channi had stayed away from Baghel's meetings, reportedly because of dissatisfaction over the party's recent organisational appointments. However, on Thursday, the group softened its stand and agreed to present its concerns directly before Baghel.

Jalandhar Cantonment MLA Pargat Singh confirmed that the leaders would meet the AICC in-charge and place their views before him.

Channi is believed to be unhappy after the Congress decided to retain Raja Warring as Punjab Congress president while appointing him as chairman of the party's campaign committee.

Warring responds to Randhawa's remarks

When asked about comments made by senior leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who had suggested that Warring should introspect, the Punjab Congress chief avoided any confrontation.

Warring described Randhawa as an elder brother and a respected senior leader, saying he did not believe Randhawa was upset with him and that he would speak to him personally.

Supriya Shrinate plays down factionalism

Senior Congress leader Supriya Shrinate, who addressed a joint press conference with Warring, dismissed concerns over internal divisions within the Punjab unit.

She said differences of opinion were natural in a democratic party and reflected the presence of multiple leaders rather than factionalism.

Baghel reiterates high command's stand

On Wednesday, Baghel had categorically ruled out any reconsideration of Raja Warring's appointment as Punjab Congress president. He remarked that once the party high command had taken a decision, it could not be changed repeatedly, dismissing suggestions of a leadership rethink.

Baghel also maintained that the Congress remained united in its objective of returning to power in Punjab and said the party respected every leader's contribution.

Unlike other political parties, he said, the Congress encouraged open discussions and valued differing opinions instead of functioning through one-way directives.

Background to the leadership row

On July 1, the Congress announced that Amrinder Singh Raja Warring would continue as the president of the Punjab Congress while appointing Charanjit Singh Channi as chairman of the party's campaign committee.

A few days later, Channi attended a meeting in Mohali along with several sitting and former MLAs, where leaders urged the party high command to reconsider the decision and appoint him as the state unit chief.

While acknowledging that differences of opinion existed, leaders, including Pargat Singh and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, have repeatedly maintained that the Congress remains united and that its primary focus is to return to power in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

The announcement was made by SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal through a social media post on Tuesday. He said the party would ensure that Satluj reaches every village and corner of Punjab so that younger generations are made aware of what he described as the "painful chapter" in the state's history.

According to Sukhbir Singh Badal, the film portrays the alleged human rights violations, custodial killings and sacrifices associated with the militancy-era period in Punjab. He specifically referred to the work of slain human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra and claimed that thousands of innocent Sikh youths and prominent Sikh personalities suffered atrocities during the Congress government.

Sukhbir Singh Badal further alleged that the events depicted in the film followed the military action at Sri Harmandir Sahib and the anti-Sikh violence that erupted in Delhi and several other parts of the country in 1984. He also claimed that many Sikh youths who protested against those incidents were later killed in alleged fake police encounters.

Expressing concern over the film's removal from the OTT platform, the SAD chief said efforts were being made to prevent future generations from learning about Punjab's tragic past. He asserted that the Shiromani Akali Dal would not allow the history of the period to be forgotten and would organise screenings of Satluj across Punjab.

During the media interaction, Ravneet Singh Bittu also criticised actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh and the makers of the Satluj, alleging that the film could disturb peace in Punjab.

The Union Minister claimed that the filmmakers were attempting to create unrest through the movie and said that no one would be allowed to disturb harmony in the state.

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Bittu also targeted Diljit Dosanjh, accusing the actor of sending mixed messages. He alleged that while Dosanjh asks supporters of Khalistan to leave his concerts, he is at the same time promoting what the minister described as a "terror narrative" through the film.

Referring to human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, Bittu said Khalra was taken into police custody after the assassination of his grandfather, former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh. His remarks came while responding to questions related to the film and its subject.

The minister did not provide details about Prime Minister Modi's proposed programme during the July 17 visit. More information about the visit is expected to be announced by the authorities in the coming days.

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The notice, issued by Punjab Congress Disciplinary Committee chairman Avtar Henry, directs Jalalpur to explain within three days his statements made in the media against Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel. The party has warned that disciplinary proceedings may follow if a satisfactory reply is not submitted within the stipulated period.

Jalalpur had made the remarks while attending a meeting convened at former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi's residence in Morinda, where several Congress leaders gathered ahead of Baghel's visit to Punjab.

The disciplinary action comes against the backdrop of an open display of factionalism within the Punjab Congress.

Former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi stayed away from the meeting called by Bhupesh Baghel and instead held a separate gathering with his supporters at his Morinda residence. Following the meeting, Channi left for Delhi, where he is expected to meet the Congress high command. Leaders aligned with Channi also refrained from receiving Baghel upon his arrival, highlighting the widening divide within the state unit.

Political equations within the Punjab Congress continue to shift, with Channi reportedly receiving the backing of MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, six MLAs and newly appointed working president Sangat Singh Gilzian.

Meanwhile, state Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has publicly received support from only one MP, Dr Amar Singh, while no MLA has openly endorsed his leadership so far.

The Congress leadership has deputed Bhupesh Baghel to Punjab for a five-day organisational tour aimed at addressing internal grievances and restoring unity.

Baghel said he would meet district Congress committees, newly constituted organisational bodies, Youth Congress representatives  and senior party leaders over the coming days before speaking publicly on the developments.

Responding to speculation over the Morinda meeting, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring sought to dismiss reports of a major split.

He described the gathering at Channi's residence as a routine meeting of Congress leaders held to strengthen the organisation and urged the media not to exaggerate differences within the party.

According to Warring, discussions among senior leaders are ongoing and the Congress leadership remains committed to presenting a united front.

The latest development comes just hours before Baghel is scheduled to arrive in Ludhiana for meetings with party leaders.

Senior leaders hold strategy meeting

On Monday, several senior Congress leaders met in Mohali to discuss the political situation in the state unit. After the meeting, the leaders shared a group photograph on social media, signalling unity among those seeking a change in the party's state leadership.

The Punjab Congress also released pictures of the meeting, describing it as a discussion among different election committee heads to strengthen the organisation.

Warring says it was not a faction meeting

Amrinder Raja Warring also posted photographs from the same meeting on his social media accounts. However, he was not part of the group photograph shared by other leaders, adding to speculation about divisions within the party.

Responding to the buzz, Warring said the meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections and insisted it was "not a meeting of any camp." His remarks appeared aimed at countering reports of growing factionalism within the state Congress.

Opposition to Warring grows stronger

According to party sources, this is the second public show of dissatisfaction against Warring in the past few days. Earlier, several leaders had gathered at former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi's residence in Morinda, where concerns over the party leadership were also discussed.

Over the weekend, senior leaders, including Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Partap Singh Bajwa, Charanjit Singh Channi and Pargat Singh, reportedly held a series of meetings to coordinate their stand before the party high command.

Sources said the leaders have agreed on one point: they are ready to work under any state president except Raja Warring.

It is learnt leaders opposing Warring have decided not to attend Bhupesh Baghel's meeting with senior Congress functionaries. At the same time, leaders considered close to Warring are expected to meet the AICC in-charge and present their views.

The meeting, which continued for several hours, was attended by nearly 24 sitting and former Congress MLAs, four former ministers, district leaders and hundreds of party workers. The gathering came days after the Congress high command decided to retain Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), a move that had disappointed a section of the party leadership that was expecting Channi to be given the responsibility.

Following detailed discussions, the leaders decided to constitute a committee that will represent the concerns of Punjab Congress workers before the party's central leadership. They also authorised Channi to take future decisions on behalf of the group, while giving the Congress high command one week to address their concerns.

Among those present were former ministers Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Rana Gurjeet Singh, Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria, Bharat Bhushan Ashu and OP Soni. Several former legislators, including Mohammad Sadique, Gurpreet Singh Kangar, Gurkirat Singh Kotli, Tarsem Singh Attari and Harminder Singh Gill, also attended the meeting. Balkaur Singh, father of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, was also present. However, senior Congress leaders Pargat Singh, Sukhpal Singh Khaira and former Assembly Speaker KP Rana were not part of the gathering.

Former Punjab Youth Congress president Barinder Singh Dhillon said the newly formed committee would place the concerns of party workers before the high command. According to him, many workers felt that their views had not been adequately reflected in the recent organisational decisions, and the committee would seek to ensure those concerns were heard.

Senior Congress leader Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa clarified that the meeting should not be viewed as a confrontation with the party leadership.

Channi chose not to address the media after the meeting, but his decision to remain silent has added to political speculation over the direction the party could take in the coming days.

What was expected to be a routine organisational reshuffle has instead snowballed into a test of the Congress high command's authority.

The strongest signal has come from former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. Instead of quietly accepting his appointment as chairman of the party's campaign committee, Channi has chosen to demonstrate his political strength by convening an emergency meeting of his loyalists at his residence in Morinda.

The gathering is not merely a courtesy meeting. With sitting MPs, MLAs, former legislators and influential party leaders in attendance, it carries the unmistakable message that Channi believes he commands a support base substantial enough to challenge the party's leadership decisions.

Leaders close to Channi have openly argued that sidelining him from the state presidency could damage the Congress' electoral prospects, suggesting that his leadership is essential if the party hopes to return to power.

At the same time, another development has added to the unease within the Congress. Senior leader and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who was made chairman of the party's core committee instead of being entrusted with the state leadership, reportedly travelled to Delhi to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Whether the meeting carries political significance or is being overinterpreted remains uncertain. However, in the current political climate, such developments inevitably fuel speculation about growing discontent and possible realignments.

At the same time, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has, however, clarified that "The meeting was pre-scheduled for today in connection with my representation on the deteriorating law and order in the State of Punjab."

The larger issue for the Congress is not individual ambition; it is the recurring inability to manage competing centres of power.

For years, the party has struggled with factional politics in Punjab. Leadership disputes have repeatedly overshadowed organisational work, allowing rivals to capitalise on Congress' internal divisions. Instead of presenting a united alternative to the ruling establishment, the party once again finds itself consumed by questions over who should lead rather than how it intends to govern.

Retaining Raja Warring may have provided continuity, but it has also revived unresolved rivalries. If influential leaders feel overlooked despite their political standing, symbolic appointments may not be enough to contain resentment.

The optics are particularly damaging. Public displays of dissatisfaction, emergency strategy meetings and reports of senior leaders exploring conversations outside the party all weaken the Congress' claim of being ready for the 2027 electoral contest.

Political parties rarely suffer because disagreements exist; they suffer when disagreements become public demonstrations of competing authority. That appears to be the stage the Punjab Congress is entering.

The coming weeks will determine whether the high command can restore discipline and rebuild consensus or whether the current unrest develops into a wider organisational crisis.

For now, the Congress' biggest political challenge in Punjab does not appear to be defeating its opponents; it is convincing its own leaders that they remain part of the same team.

In a statement issued to the media, Bikram Singh Majithia questioned the viability of the initiative, claiming that the state would require approximately Rs 21,472 crore annually to provide financial support under the scheme. According to his calculations, around Rs 16,104 crore would be needed for the remaining nine months of the current financial year, from July 2026 to March 2027.

Referring to population estimates, the SAD leader said Punjab's projected population for 2026 is about 3.23 crore, including nearly 1.51 crore women. He estimated that around 95.13 lakh women in the general category would receive Rs 1,000 per month, requiring an annual allocation of Rs 11,415.60 crore. He further claimed that approximately 55.87 lakh Scheduled Caste women would be entitled to Rs 1,500 per month, resulting in an additional annual expenditure of Rs 10,056.60 crore.

Majithia alleged that the government had arranged only Rs 1,500 crore for the scheme, of which Rs 1,000 crore had reportedly been borrowed, while the remaining Rs 500 crore was allegedly sourced from GAMADA funds and labour welfare cess. He questioned how the administration intended to continue financing the programme in the coming years.

The former minister also claimed that many eligible women had not received the first instalment more than 24 hours after the scheme's launch. He said beneficiaries had been expecting confirmation messages from their banks but found no deposits in their accounts.

According to Majithia, despite extensive publicity surrounding the programme, the government had failed to ensure timely disbursement of funds to a majority of intended recipients. He described the situation as a serious failure in the implementation of the scheme.

Calling the issue a breach of trust with women in Punjab, Majithia referred to the promises made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections. He said the party had assured that every adult woman would receive Rs 1,000 per month after coming to power.

He further argued that, based on those earlier commitments, every eligible woman should have received approximately Rs 55,000 in accumulated payments over the past four and a half years. He accused the AAP government of failing to honour those assurances.

Majithia also challenged the state government to make public detailed information on the implementation of the scheme. He demanded district-wise, block-wise, village-wise and beneficiary-wise data indicating how many women had received Rs 1,000, how many had received Rs 1,500 and how many were still awaiting payment.

In addition, he asked the government to clarify its plan regarding what he described as pending dues of Rs 55,000 for each eligible woman. He said that if the administration did not release the requested data, women across the state would seek accountability over the promises made during the 2022 election campaign.

Majithia alleged that the Punjab government had focused more on publicity than delivery, claiming that despite extensive advertising, many women were still waiting for the financial assistance announced under the scheme.

Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa have remained tight-lipped on publicly over the recent overhaul after being assigned new responsibilities. Meanwhile Channi has reportedly called a meeting at his residence at 11 am on Friday. 

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Under the new structure, Charanjit Singh Channi will head the Campaign Committee while Vijay Inder Singla will chair the Election Management and Coordination Committee. Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has been appointed chairperson of the Core Committee and Amar Singh will head the Manifesto Committee.

According to the sources, around 10-15 party leaders are dissatisfied with the newly formed team, especially with Raja Warring retained as party president. 

A major reason for the discontent is the Congress tradition in Punjab, where, in the absence of a declared chief ministerial candidate, the state party president often becomes the frontrunner for the chief minister's post if the party wins a majority.

Meanwhile, Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari has also expressed displeasure over being sidelined. In a social media post, he remarked that he wished there were an antidote for the insecurity and inferiority complexes of individuals and institutions.

Reacting to a  newspaper report on his exclusion from the newly announced state committees, Tewari wrote on X: "Wish I had an antidote for the insecurities of individuals and institutions! Having said that, INCIndia has given me enough over the past 45 years and I have also devoted my entire adult life in the service of the Indian National Congress over the decades. Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be."

है बड़ा कोई अवगुण उसमे जिसे कोई हुनर आवे I

Wish I had an antidote ( ਗਿੱਦੜ ਸਿੰਙੀ) for the insecurities of individuals and institutions!

Having said that @INCIndia has given me enough over the past 45 years and I have also devoted my entire adult life in the service of the…

— Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) July 2, 2026

The Congress has retained Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee and Pratap Singh Bajwa as the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party.

The party has also appointed Sukhwinder Singh Danny, Raj Kumar Verka and Sangat Singh Gilzian as working presidents of the Punjab Congress.

Meanwhile, Manish Tewari, a three-time Lok Sabha MP, currently represents Chandigarh and has previously represented the Anandpur Sahib and Ludhiana parliamentary constituencies in Punjab.

According to a statement issued by K. C. Venugopal, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge approved all the appointments with immediate effect.

The Raghav Chadha Union Cabinet buzz comes at a time when the Centre is expected to fill Punjab's representation in the Union Council of Ministers. With Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu's Rajya Sabha term ending on June 21, he will have to vacate his ministerial position if he is not re-elected within six months, making room for a new face from Punjab.

Apart from Chadha, Lovely Professional University Chancellor Ashok Kumar Mittal and newly nominated Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh are also believed to be in contention. While there has been no official confirmation, political circles expect a Cabinet reshuffle within days.

More than a ministerial appointment

If BJP inducts Raghav Chadha into the Union Cabinet, the decision is likely to carry far greater political significance than merely filling a ministerial vacancy. Chadha was once among AAP's most recognisable faces in Punjab.

During the 2022 Assembly elections, he played a key organisational role and campaigned extensively across the state. Following AAP's landslide victory, he was widely viewed as one of the party's most influential leaders in Punjab.

His political journey, however, changed dramatically after differences reportedly emerged within the party leadership. Following his exit from AAP and subsequent entry into BJP, Chadha is also credited with influencing several former AAP MPs to switch sides.

Why BJP may be looking at Chadha

For BJP, Raghav Chadha offers more than political optics. He understands AAP's organisational structure, campaign strategy and voter outreach better than most opposition leaders. As a former insider, he could become one of BJP's strongest voices against the Bhagwant Mann government during the run-up to the Punjab Assembly elections 2027.

His urban appeal could also help the BJP strengthen its presence in cities such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Amritsar, where the party has traditionally looked to expand its support among business communities and middle-class voters.

More importantly, a Union Cabinet berth would project Chadha as one of BJP's principal faces in Punjab, giving the party a high-profile leader around whom it can build its campaign.

A bigger challenge for AAP

For AAP, Chadha's possible elevation could create both political and organisational problems. A leader who once asked voters to support AAP would now be leading attacks against the same party from the Union government. That shift alone could influence public perception, particularly among undecided urban voters.

His appointment may also encourage more defections if ticket distribution ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections 2027 creates dissatisfaction within AAP. Leaders who share political equations with Chadha may view the BJP as a stronger alternative if he is seen as an influential decision-maker in the party.

Although the BJP has not officially announced any names, the speculation itself underlines how crucial Punjab has become ahead of the next Assembly election.

The Punjab Assembly elections 2027 may still be months away, but political positioning has already begun. Every major appointment, alliance and organisational change is now likely to be viewed through the lens of the upcoming electoral battle.

If Raghav Chadha secures a Union Cabinet berth, it will be more than a ministerial promotion. It could mark BJP's most significant political investment in Punjab in recent years and intensify the contest for power well before voters head to the polls.

Speaking to mediapersons in Patiala, Nayab Singh Saini said the government had received a report regarding the matter and a detailed investigation was currently underway. He added that authorities were examining all aspects of the case to identify those responsible and determine the motive behind the alleged fabrication.

The Haryana Chief Minister was in Punjab's Patiala district to attend the annual remembrance ceremony of Sant Balwant Singh Ji at gurdwara sahib in Rodewal village. During his visit, he paid obeisance at the shrine and offered tributes before interacting with the media.

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Responding to allegations raised by leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Saini rejected the claims as baseless. He said preliminary information suggested that the name of a laboratory in Haryana had been used in connection with the purported forensic report. Investigators are now verifying how the document was prepared and whether any individuals or organisations were involved in its circulation.

Saini said that anyone found responsible would face strict action in accordance with the law.

Addressing another issue linked to the controversy, Nayab Singh Saini said the BJP respects the traditions and teachings of Sikh Gurus and would never engage in politics that hurts religious sentiments or public faith.

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Speaking to mediapersons, Sirsa said the ongoing video controversy has become a test of the Punjab Government's commitment to enforcing the law fairly and without bias.

He argued that if strict action is taken in cases involving religious sentiments, the same rules should apply to everyone, regardless of their position or status. According to Sirsa, there should be no exception for the Chief Minister if the circumstances warrant legal action.

The BJP leader questioned why no case had been registered against Bhagwant Mann so far and said the law must be implemented equally for all citizens.

Sirsa also accused AAP leaders of repeatedly taking positions that have brought them into conflict with Sikh religious institutions, including the Akal Takht. He claimed that leaders who were once vocal on issues concerning Sikh sentiments have now chosen to remain silent.

At the same time, he praised the Gurugram Police for arresting the accused linked to the controversy and called on authorities to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.

The Aam Aadmi Party and the Punjab Government have not yet issued any response to Sirsa's allegations.

Speaking during a media conclave in Jalandhar recently during his Punjab visit, Nabin stated that discussions on alliances would be held at an appropriate time and that the party's current priority is to strengthen its organisational network across Punjab.

He said the BJP is currently concentrating on expanding its presence in every Assembly constituency and building its support base at the grassroots level. According to him, the party has decided to move forward independently for now and will assess the political situation closer to the elections.

Nabin clarified that the BJP has neither ruled out nor endorsed the possibility of an alliance at this stage. He noted that political circumstances may evolve in the coming months  and the party will take a decision after reviewing public feedback and the overall political environment.

The BJP leader said the party plans to spend the next six months actively engaging with people across the state and highlighting key public issues under the leadership of the newly appointed state president.

He added that the question of a pre-poll alliance is not an immediate concern and will be addressed at the appropriate time. 

Acting on a complaint filed by a cyber and forensic professional, the Gurugram Police registered an FIR and arrested two accused on Tuesday, while expanding the probe into what investigators describe as an attempt to influence digital evidence and forensic findings.

The case was registered at DLF Sector-29 police station, Gurugram, under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. The police said the investigation involves allegations of pressure, financial inducements, threats and efforts to obtain a predetermined forensic conclusion regarding the authenticity of the viral video.

Breaking news-Gurgaon police registers FIR in the infamous fake video scandal of @BhagwantMann !

Many more culprits will be nominated after investigation !

We @INCIndia stand vindicated that @AamAadmiParty procured a fake forensic report to cover up the dirty deeds of… pic.twitter.com/95ikGbkmcB

— Sukhpal Singh Khaira (@SukhpalKhaira) June 23, 2026

Following the registration of the case, a special investigation team was constituted under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Gurugram. The team, led by Sub-Inspector Lalit, In-Charge of Crime Branch Sector-40, conducted raids and arrested two accused from Gurugram on June 23.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Ankit Mahenderu (25), resident of Agrasen Colony, Sirsa, Haryana and  Ankit Sharma (25), resident of Kharak Gagar village, Jind, Haryana.

The police said both accused are being questioned regarding their alleged role in arranging forensic reports, coordinating with various individuals involved in the process and handling financial transactions connected to the case.

Complaint alleges pressure to declare video AI-generated

According to the FIR, the complainant, Jaspreet Singh alias Jassi, a resident of Sirsa who works in the field of digital forensics, cyber investigations and electronic evidence analysis, alleged that he was approached by individuals claiming to be senior Punjab Government officials.

The complainant stated that on the night of June 15, he was called to the Crowne Plaza Hotel near IFFCO Chowk in Gurugram, where he met persons who introduced themselves as senior Punjab Government officials along with another individual described as a senior officer.

During the meeting, Jaspreet alleged that he was asked to conduct a forensic examination of a politically sensitive viral video and prepare a report concluding that the footage was fake, AI-generated or a deepfake. According to the complaint, the objective was to establish that the person appearing in the video was not Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and that all allegations connected to the video were false.

Complainant claims scientific evidence was insufficient

The complainant told investigators that he informed those present that the quality of the video was inadequate to arrive at any definitive scientific conclusion. He further stated that he was neither a certified expert for such analysis nor in a position to conclusively verify the authenticity of the footage.

Despite these reservations, the FIR alleges that repeated pressure was exerted on him to issue a report declaring the video AI-generated.

According to the complaint, after he expressed his inability to provide such a conclusion, he was introduced to other individuals who could allegedly facilitate the preparation of reports supporting the desired narrative.

Alleged use of questionable forensic institutions

The complaint further alleges that reports were eventually prepared through entities identified as Cipher Sentinel Lab and Cyberyan Labs.

Jaspreet claimed that upon conducting his own verification, he found no evidence that these institutions were recognised by any competent government authority to conduct such forensic examinations. He also alleged that draft reports were circulated through WhatsApp and repeatedly modified based on suggestions received from various individuals before finalisation.

According to the complaint, the reports were revised multiple times to ensure that they aligned with a predetermined conclusion regarding the video's authenticity.

Allegations of cash payments and threats

One of the most serious allegations in the FIR concerns the use of financial inducements and intimidation.

The complainant alleged that substantial sums of money were offered to secure the preparation of favourable forensic reports. He claimed that a cash amount of Rs 10 lakh was forcibly placed in his vehicle despite his objections.

The FIR further alleges that payments were made to other individuals involved in the preparation of the reports through various channels.

Jaspreet also claimed that when he raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the exercise and questioned the authenticity of the institutions involved, he was subjected to threats and pressure to remain silent. He has sought security from the Haryana Police, citing concerns for his life and the safety of his family.

The police said investigators are examining multiple aspects of the alleged conspiracy, including the identities of all persons involved in preparing the forensic and cyber reports; authenticity, legal status and credibility of the institutions that issued the reports; the source, movement and distribution of funds linked to the operation, any attempts to manipulate, tamper with or misrepresent digital evidence and the role of unidentified officials and other potential beneficiaries and electronic devices, communication records, CCTV footage and documentary evidence connected to the case.

Investigators are also examining allegations that pen drives containing relevant material were handed over to the accused by certain individuals at locations in Panchkula and Delhi.

The FIR, numbered 0263, was registered at 5.43 pm on June 23 under Sections 111(2)(a), 318(2), 319, 336(2), 336(3) and 340 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 65 and 66D of the Information Technology Act.

In an official statement, the Gurugram Police said the matter is being investigated with utmost seriousness. Officials said efforts are underway to identify and arrest other persons involved in the alleged conspiracy and that assistance from agencies in other states and technical experts may be sought if required.

"No individual is above the law, and every conspiracy aimed at distorting the truth will be thoroughly investigated and exposed through due legal process," the police statement said.

The strategy marks a significant departure from the party's 2022 campaign, which revolved largely around Arvind Kejriwal and the promise of bringing the much-publicised "Delhi model" to Punjab. At the time, Bhagwant Mann was projected as the chief ministerial candidate, but it was Kejriwal's image and political appeal that dominated the campaign narrative.

Today, however, AAP finds itself in a very different position.

After more than four years in power, the party can no longer rely on promises and political slogans. It must now answer difficult questions about governance, delivery and accountability. By projecting Mann as the sole face of the government and the 2027 campaign, AAP is effectively asking voters to judge its entire record through one individual.

That is where the risks begin.

The new slogan, "Punjab da eko naara, Bhagwant Mann dobara", may be aimed at showcasing confidence, but it also exposes the party's growing dependence on a single leader. Instead of highlighting a broader team, institutional achievements or a long-term vision for Punjab, AAP appears to be turning the election into a referendum on Mann himself.

This comes at a time when the Chief Minister is facing one of the most challenging phases of his political career.

The controversy surrounding the alleged sacrilege video and the sharp criticism from the Akal Takht have created a political storm that refuses to die down. Whether justified or not, the issue has damaged the government's narrative and given the Opposition a powerful political weapon.

The Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP and Congress have all found common ground in targeting Mann's leadership.

What is particularly striking is AAP's response. Instead of addressing concerns through wider engagement or course correction, the party has doubled down on projecting Mann even more aggressively through public outreach programmes, government events and social media campaigns.

The move raises an uncomfortable question: is AAP showcasing confidence in its Chief Minister, or does it simply lack an alternative political narrative?

The government's supporters often point to recruitment drives, infrastructure projects and welfare initiatives. However, critics argue that Punjab continues to struggle with pressing issues such as unemployment, drug abuse, agrarian distress, fiscal pressures and concerns over law and order. These are challenges that cannot be overshadowed indefinitely through political branding.

AAP also continues to battle a perception problem. Since coming to power, the party has repeatedly faced accusations that key decisions are influenced by its central leadership. Ironically, the current effort to establish Mann as an independent Punjabi leader reflects an acknowledgment that this perception still exists among sections of the electorate.

The bigger concern for AAP is that by concentrating its campaign around one individual, it leaves itself vulnerable. If voters are unhappy with the government's performance, there will be no buffer and no alternative face to absorb the political damage. Every criticism of governance will inevitably become a criticism of Bhagwant Mann.

The Opposition understands this reality. That is why its attacks are increasingly directed at Mann personally rather than at the AAP organisation. The strategy is simple: weaken the face, and the campaign weakens with it.

As Punjab moves closer to election season, AAP's decision to place all its political chips on Bhagwant Mann may prove either its greatest strength or its biggest miscalculation. For now, the party appears convinced that Mann remains its most valuable asset.

The real question is whether Punjab's voters still share that belief.

According to the original schedule, Nabin was expected to travel from Ludhiana to Chandigarh and meet Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. He was also scheduled to attend a dinner hosted by Punjab BJP chief Kewal Dhillon at his residence in Sector 9, Chandigarh, where several prominent personalities from the state were expected to be present.

However, both engagements were cancelled as Nabin decided to return directly to Delhi from Ludhiana on Monday afternoon.

Sources in the party indicated that important organisational meetings may take place in Delhi later in the day. The development comes shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned from the G7 Summit and completed his engagements related to International Yoga Day.

The BJP is expected to announce long-awaited organisational changes soon. Party insiders say discussions regarding the restructuring process have been underway for some time.

Before leaving Punjab, Nitin Nabin met noted agricultural scientist Sardara Singh Johl in Ludhiana. During the meeting, the two discussed issues related to Punjab's agriculture sector and the challenges faced by farmers in the state.

The teachers' union had planned a protest against Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema in his Assembly constituency as part of its ongoing protest over pending demands. The group has been organising rallies in different villages, accusing the Punjab Government of failing to address their long-standing issues.

According to union members, they were scheduled to conduct a public outreach rally at Kohrian village when they were stopped from proceeding. The incident led to a tense atmosphere in the village for some time.

The 180 ETT TET-Passed Teachers Union has been protesting for a long period, demanding employment opportunities and fulfillment of promises made by the state government. As part of their protest, members have been visiting villages across Punjab to highlight their concerns and seek public support.

According to officials, several rounds were fired at the MLA's office late Friday night. The office, located directly opposite the Meham police station, was closed when the incident took place.

The matter came to light on Saturday morning when the office caretaker arrived and noticed that the glass panels at the entrance had been damaged. A closer inspection revealed multiple bullet marks on the glass.

Confirming the incident, Balram Dangi said four to five bullet marks were found at the office premises. He added that he was informed about the attack after the caretaker noticed the damage.

Police teams reached the spot soon after receiving information and began collecting evidence. Investigators have seized the CCTV DVR from the premises and are examining footage from nearby cameras to identify those involved.

Preliminary findings suggest that around four to five rounds were fired at the office around 1 am. However, no suspects have been identified so far.

The police are continuing their probe to determine the motive behind the attack and trace the attackers.