Channi’s options shrink as Congress refuses to budge in Punjab

As the Punjab Assembly election looms less than a year away, Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi faces a challenging situation following his clash with party leadership over an organisational overhaul. The faction led by former Chief Minister Amrinder Singh Raja Warring remains unyielding, leaving Mr. Channi with limited options—accept a reduced role within the party or seek a political future elsewhere.

Neither outcome appears favourable for him. The discord erupted after the All India Congress Committee's overhaul on July 1, with Mr. Channi being appointed chairman of the State poll campaign panel despite Punjab's first Dalit Chief Minister title. He attempted to sway the high command by convening meetings of supporters in Morinda and Mohali, but his absence from recent party events has raised concerns.

While Congress general secretary Bhupesh Baghel has ruled out replacing Warring as Punjab Congress president, the faction led by Mr. Channi has shown no signs of backing down. Disruptions during the party's 'Har Booth Mazboot' events in Patiala, Samana, and Bathinda, where supporters raised slogans in Mr. Channi's support, have exposed the fault lines.

Other disgruntled leaders, including Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Rana Gurjit, also oppose the organogram change. The situation may force Channi to contest separately, potentially with supporters from his camp.