Punjab Congress: Rift widens despite Baghel's mediation

Amid reported rift in Punjab Congress , party  senior leader and  MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa made it clear that  we want a Congress government in Punjab, and we want to address issues like the law-and-order situation and corruption. To achieve this, we need unity within the party, but we also need leaders who speak boldly and decisively. Speaking to reporters after a meeting between AICC Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel and leaders close to former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Randhawa  said “not a compromising leader”.

Chandigarh: Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa says, "...We had a productive dialogue, acknowledging that sometimes the party must reverse certain decisions. Our demand to the leadership present today is clear. We want a Congress government in Punjab, and we want to address… pic.twitter.com/UZcrltVDWA

— IANS (@ians_india) July 11, 2026

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, whose continuation as state unit chief has triggered the latest round of infighting, responded strongly. "Who is compromised? Has he taken any names? If not, why are you people pointing it at me? Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa is absolutely right: If anyone is compromised, they cannot stay with us," Warring said.

VIDEO | Chandigarh: Reacting to Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa’s ‘We don’t need a compromised leader’ remarks, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring (@RajaBrar_INC) says, "Who is compromised? Has he taken any names? If not, why are you people pointing it… pic.twitter.com/HFbsdzAocM

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 11, 2026

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated meeting of “disgruntled” leaders of the Punjab Congress, led by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, with AICC general secretary Bhupesh Baghel ended without any immediate solution to the ongoing crisis. After giving a patient hearing to over 90 leaders — who are upset as Amarinder Singh Raja Warring was retained as the PPCC president — Baghel told the gathering that changing the decision was not in his hands but he would convey their concerns and sentiments to the party high command.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa described the meeting as the outcome of a long-standing demand from party workers. "Baghel ji listened to everyone patiently for over two hours and assured us that he will convey everything word-for-word to the high command. He also promised that any misgivings or outstanding issues will be resolved," Bajwa said. Punjab is scheduled to go to Assembly elections in early 2027. The Aam Aadmi Party, which defeated the Congress by a landslide in 2022, is seeking to retain power.