Punjab Congress leadership dispute intensifies ahead of 2027 state elections

Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi met AICC general secretary KC Venugopal in New Delhi, seeking a change in the state Congress leadership. The meeting followed Channi’s recent clash with Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, whom the party high command confirmed would retain the post.

AICC Punjab in‑charge Bhupesh Baghel submitted a six‑day consultation report to KC Venugopal, noting that 25 of 29 district presidents and four of seven MPs back Warring. Baghel said the report “is not child’s play” and indicated no immediate leadership change. Senior leaders, including Channi and former deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, continue to press for a reshuffle, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also discussed the Punjab situation with party president Mallikarjun Kharge. The internal rift unfolds as the party prepares for early 2027 assembly elections in Punjab.