Punjab Congress Rift Explodes: Slogans, Scuffles In Baghel's Presence; Channi Camp Demands Warring's Exit

State Bureau, Chandigarh: As the Congress prepares for the Punjab Assembly election, the biggest challenge now facing the party is not the Opposition, but the growing factionalism inside it. Despite a clear message from the Congress high command to prepare unitedly for the election, the state organisation appears to be divided into two factions.

Developments during the ten-day visit by Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, indicate that the internal conflict within the party is far from over.

Baghel is reviewing the organisation's preparations for the assembly election through block and district-level meetings under the program "Har Booth Congress Mazboot". However, voices of opposition have begun to emerge at his events. On Saturday, slogans were raised against state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring at events held first in Patiala and then in Sangrur.

Slogans Against Bhupesh Baghel

In Sangrur, protesters also raised slogans against Bhupesh Baghel as workers from both factions clashed. The situation escalated into a scuffle, exposing the party's internal strife.

ALSO READ: 'Bring Back Channi' Slogans, Scuffles Disrupt Punjab Congress Chief Warring's Address In Sangrur; Baghel Warns Of Action

This conflict within the Congress intensified after the announcement of new election management committees on July 1. Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and his supporters have been continuously demanding changes in the organisation and the replacement of the state president. Despite several rounds of meetings with the Congress high command in Delhi, the Channi camp remains firm on its demands, and this is now having an impact on the party's organisational programs.

Bhupesh Baghel’s Punjab Visits

Bhupesh Baghel, who arrived in Punjab for the second time in the last one month following instructions from the high command, was given the responsibility of establishing coordination between the factions, but till now his efforts have not been successful.

Channi supporters, along with several prominent Congress leaders, stayed away from district-level meetings. Slogans were raised against Bhupesh Baghel and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who attended the events.

ALSO READ: Punjab Congress Crisis: Channi, Warring On Same Page After 'Secret' Meeting In Delhi? High Command Pushes For Unity

Following the recent protests at Congress events, it is being said that the full report will now reach the Congress high command. In such a situation, the leadership faces only two options: either take strict action against leaders who consistently display indiscipline and factionalism, or attempt to appease the disgruntled camp by making changes to the state leadership.

Organisational unity has now become the biggest political test for the Congress party ahead of the assembly election. Baghel has repeatedly stated that the high command's decision should not be changed.