The internal strife within the Punjab Congress unit escalated on Thursday as former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Member of Parliament Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, along with several other party leaders, demanded the removal of Navjot Singh Sidhu from the post of state Congress president. The demand comes amid growing discontent over the party's performance and organizational decisions.
Rebel Leaders Unite Against Sidhu
Channi and Randhawa, both prominent faces from the Dalit and backward communities, respectively, issued a joint statement accusing Sidhu of failing to unite the party and leading it to electoral defeats. They claimed that Sidhu's leadership has alienated key sections of the party cadre and weakened the Congress's base in Punjab ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
At least 12 MLAs and former ministers have rallied behind Channi and Randhawa, according to sources. The dissidents have submitted a memorandum to the party high command, requesting immediate intervention to replace Sidhu with a consensus candidate.
Background of the Conflict
The rift has been brewing since the Congress's poor showing in the 2024 general elections, where the party lost several key seats in Punjab to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sidhu, who took charge in 2022 after the ouster of former state chief Amarinder Singh, has faced criticism for his aggressive style and frequent run-ins with senior leaders.
Channi, who served as Chief Minister for a brief period in 2021-22, has been a vocal critic of Sidhu's leadership. Randhawa, a former Deputy Chief Minister, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the party needs a leader who can bridge divides and focus on organizational strengthening.
Party High Command's Dilemma
The Congress high command, led by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, faces a tough decision. Sidhu enjoys support among a section of the party workers and has been a prominent face for the Congress in Punjab. However, the growing rebellion threatens to destabilize the state unit further. Sources indicate that the central leadership may appoint a peace committee to resolve the differences, but no formal announcement has been made.
In response, Sidhu dismissed the demands, saying, "These are personal vendettas. I am focused on strengthening the party and taking on the AAP government's failures." He reiterated his commitment to the party and accused the dissidents of working against Congress interests.
Impact on Congress's Prospects
Political analysts suggest that the infighting could severely damage the Congress's chances in the upcoming local body elections and the 2027 state polls. The AAP, which currently governs Punjab, has capitalized on the Congress's internal problems, projecting itself as a stable alternative. The BJP, too, is eyeing an opportunity to expand its footprint in the state.
According to a recent survey by a local news channel, the Congress's approval rating in Punjab has dropped to 22%, down from 35% in 2022. The AAP leads with 48%, followed by the BJP at 18%.
The Congress has historically been a dominant force in Punjab, but factionalism has plagued the party since the 1990s. The current crisis is seen as a test of the high command's ability to manage internal dissent and revive the party's fortunes.
As the drama unfolds, all eyes are on Delhi for a resolution. The next few weeks are crucial for the Congress in Punjab, as any delay in addressing the rebellion could further erode its support base.
