The internal crisis within the Punjab Congress has intensified ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with a public poster war between senior party leaders highlighting deep divisions in the state unit. The factional conflict has emerged during the party's "Har Booth Congress Mazboot" campaign, with supporters of former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi and Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Raja Warring reportedly engaging in competing publicity campaigns across several districts.
With less than six months remaining before the Punjab Assembly elections, the Congress leadership has stepped in to address the growing differences among its state leaders. Congress organisation general secretary K C Venugopal recently met Channi in New Delhi and is believed to have advised him to ensure that his supporters do not disrupt party programmes. Sources said Venugopal also conveyed that leaders should avoid making public remarks against one another, as such statements could harm the party's image ahead of the crucial election battle.
During the meeting, Channi reportedly told Venugopal that those involved in creating disruptions were not his supporters. Sources added that the former chief minister was assured that his concerns would be considered and that the party leadership was working on a solution to resolve the ongoing differences. The Congress high command is reportedly attempting to create a formula that can bring different factions together and strengthen coordination within the state unit.
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The leadership is also monitoring the situation through Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, who is expected to submit a detailed report to Venugopal after completing his visit to the state. Sources indicated that the Congress leadership may hold a similar discussion with Amarinder Raja Warring to understand his position and address concerns from both sides. The effort is aimed at preventing internal disagreements from affecting the party's election preparations.
The rivalry between Channi and Warring has become increasingly visible through coordinated poster campaigns in various districts of Punjab. The competing displays have reflected the presence of separate support groups within the party and raised concerns among senior leaders about unity within the organisation. While both leaders remain important faces of the Punjab Congress, the public nature of the disagreement has created challenges for the party's efforts to present a united front.
The Congress is seeking to rebuild its position in Punjab after losing power in the 2022 Assembly elections, when the Aam Aadmi Party registered a decisive victory. The upcoming 2027 election is expected to be a major test for the party, which is attempting to strengthen its organisational structure and regain support among voters. Internal coordination among senior leaders will be crucial as the party prepares for a competitive electoral contest.
The Punjab Congress leadership has been facing factional challenges for several years, with differences between senior leaders often affecting its political strategy. The latest dispute over campaign posters has increased pressure on the high command to intervene quickly and establish greater discipline within the state unit. The outcome of the reconciliation efforts could play an important role in shaping the Congress' electoral prospects in Punjab.
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