Chandigarh: A day after former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi showcased his political strength by holding a meeting of supporters at his Morinda residence, the Congress rebel camp is now awaiting a response from the party high command while making it clear that it is not prepared to retreat from its demand for a change in the Punjab Congress leadership.
Channi was reportedly in Delhi on Saturday, fuelling speculation that efforts are underway to break the political deadlock within the Punjab Congress following the party’s recent organisational appointments ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
According to sources close to the former Chief Minister, informal discussions have begun between leaders of the dissident camp and members of the Congress high command. However, no formal talks have taken place so far. Sources indicated that any meaningful discussions are likely to take place only after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi returns from his visit to the United States.
On Friday, Channi’s Morinda residence became the centre of political activity as around 23 current and former Congress MLAs, four former ministers and several senior party leaders gathered to express their support.
The meeting came after the Congress high command decided to retain Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), despite expectations within a section of the party that Channi would be given charge of leading the state unit into the next Assembly elections.
Leaders aligned with the Channi camp have said they are unwilling to accept Raja Warring continuing as the Punjab Congress chief.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a leader from the Channi camp said the party cadre wanted a clear chief ministerial face on whose name they could seek votes during the Assembly elections.
While backchannel discussions are said to have started, the political battle has now shifted to social media, where supporters of both factions have openly begun defending their respective positions.
Supporters of PPCC chief Raja Warring have been posting messages claiming that only a small section of Congress leaders attended Friday’s meeting and that the majority of the party continues to support the high command’s decision. Meanwhile, Channi’s supporters remain firm in demanding a change in the state leadership.
Leaders close to the former Chief Minister have also indicated that if the party leadership ignores their concerns, the dissident group may adopt a tougher stand in the coming days.
Despite the growing political activity, Channi has maintained complete silence on the issue. According to reports, he did not respond to repeated phone calls and WhatsApp messages seeking his reaction. All eyes are now on the Congress high command as it weighs its next move.
