The family of former Union Home Minister Buta Singh has thrown its weight behind former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, demanding that the Congress party declare him its chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections. This move has further deepened the factionalism within the Punjab Congress, which is already grappling with internal strife ahead of the polls.
Family Visits Channi's Residence
On Friday, Buta Singh's son Sarabjot Singh, along with his wife Devyani Singh and sister Gurkirat Kaur, visited Channi at his residence in Morinda. The family expressed solidarity with Channi and urged the Congress high command to nominate him as the party's face for the chief minister's post. Channi also claimed that he had the backing of the son of former President of India Giani Zail Singh.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Sarabjot Singh stated, "We have come to express our solidarity and support for Channi, and we urge the Congress to nominate him as its chief ministerial candidate." The family refrained from commenting on Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, noting that they had already filed a court case against him over alleged racial remarks against Buta Singh and did not wish to elaborate further.
Political Significance of the Visit
The visit comes amid growing factionalism in the Punjab Congress ahead of the Assembly elections. Channi has become a rallying point for a section of party leaders and workers dissatisfied with the current state leadership. Over recent days, his Morinda residence has hosted a series of political meetings involving Congress leaders and supporters, reflecting mounting unrest within the party.
Political observers view the support from Buta Singh's family as another setback for the state leadership, particularly following the controversy over Raja Warring's remarks about Buta Singh during the Khadoor Sahib Assembly by-election campaign. Buta Singh, a towering Dalit leader in the Congress, served as Union Home Minister, Governor of Bihar, and chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes during his long career.
Controversy Over Raja Warring's Remarks
The controversy surrounding Raja Warring's comments has triggered political and legal repercussions. Buta Singh's family has sought action against the PPCC chief, alleging that his remarks insulted both the late leader and the Scheduled Caste community. The case, filed in court, is pending.
Speaking on the occasion, Channi expressed solidarity with Buta Singh's family and reiterated that leaders who dedicated their lives to strengthening the Congress deserved respect. He emphasized that the party could overcome its present crisis only through unity, discipline, and respect for its senior leaders.
Deepening Internal Crisis
The meeting has added a new dimension to the internal crisis within the Punjab Congress. While the party high command has retained Raja Warring as PPCC president, repeated demonstrations of support for Channi by party workers, former legislators, and influential Congress families indicate that the leadership issue is unlikely to subside soon. With Assembly elections approaching, the deepening divisions pose a serious political challenge, raising questions about the party's ability to present a united front against its rivals.
