Ludhiana: The ongoing factionalism within the Punjab Congress was once again visible at the party’s political conference in Isru village on Saturday, with supporters raising slogans in favour of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.
Loud “Channi-Channi” slogans were raised during the event, while Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring remained absent. His absence, along with the political messaging from the stage, highlighted the continuing differences within the state Congress unit.
Channi shared the stage with Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. His photograph was also reportedly missing from the flex boards and posters put up for the annual political conference.
Channi targets 2027 polls
Addressing the gathering, Channi said the Congress was preparing for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections and would work towards strengthening the party nationally.
“Congress is in our blood; we do not need anyone’s certificate,” Channi said, adding that the party would aim to win Punjab in 2027 and help lay the foundation for a Rahul Gandhi-led government at the Centre.
Randhawa counters Warring’s ticket remark
Randhawa’s remarks were seen as a response to Raja Warring’s recent statement that the Congress would not give two tickets to members of the same family.
Randhawa said that if candidates were capable of winning elections, a family could be given not just two but even four tickets.
Channi also called on the government to take an early decision on the release of prisoners who have completed their sentences, saying the issue should not be given a political colour.
He also criticised the state government over law and order and the drug situation in Punjab.
