Channi Calls Campaign Committee Meeting Amid Dissent
Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi convened a meeting of the Congress campaign committee on July 3, 2026, in Ludhiana, drawing 50 to 60 participants. However, sources indicated that the gathering primarily consisted of leaders reportedly dissatisfied with the party high command's decision to reappoint Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, MP from Ludhiana, as the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president.
Notable attendees from Ludhiana included former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Gurkirat Kotli, Kamaljit Karwal, and Lakhbir Singh Lakha, a former MLA from Payal. Others present were OP Soni and Tripat Bajwa. The meeting underscored ongoing factionalism within the Punjab Congress unit.
Leaders Express Displeasure Over Warring's Reappointment
Sanjay Talwar, Ludhiana district president and a close aide of Raja Warring, acknowledged the discontent. "Perhaps they did not like Raja Warring becoming the PPCC president, but it is the high command's decision, which we all should accept," Talwar said. He added that ticket distribution for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections is now a key topic, with the entire committee's suggestions to be considered.
A seasoned Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the meeting's primary objective was to announce a chief ministerial face. "Capt Amarinder Singh also became president of the campaign committee and later became CM. These decisions are taken later by the party, but the group which convened the meeting openly showed they were not happy with the party's decisions," the leader said, noting that most attendees were unhappy with Warring's reappointment.
Mixed Reactions Among Party Cadre
Surinder Dawar, a 40-year Congress veteran, distanced himself from the dissent, stating, "I have nothing to do with it and will not interfere. The high command's decision is commendable. Raja Warring has a lot of influence among people and is doing well, so the decision must have been well thought-out."
The infighting comes as Punjab gears up for Assembly elections, with ticket distribution and leadership roles remaining contentious. The Congress high command's backing of Warring has not quelled internal opposition, as evidenced by Channi's meeting.
