Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has dismissed speculation over a recent meeting at former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi's residence, asserting that the party remains united and there is no internal factionalism.
Responding to the controversy for the first time, Warring said Channi is a senior Congress leader, former Chief Minister, and chairman of the party's election campaign committee.
He added that there is nothing unusual about Congress leaders meeting at Channi's residence and that similar gatherings could also take place at the homes of other senior leaders, including MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa.
Warring emphasized that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the party high command hold Channi in high regard, and meetings between Channi and the central leadership are part of the party's normal functioning and should not be viewed as signs of internal conflict.
On demands to project Charanjit Singh Channi as the Congress' chief ministerial face for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, Warring said the decision rests solely with the party high command. He stated that Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will take the final call on the chief ministerial candidate.
Warring also ruled himself out of the race for the top post, saying his only objective is to ensure the Congress returns to power in Punjab. He added that he would fully support whichever leader the party high command chooses to lead the state.
Reiterating the importance of discipline, Warring said no individual, including the state Congress president, is above the party organization. He clarified that neither Channi nor any other senior leader has engaged in anti-party activities.
However, he warned that strict action would be taken against any former MLA or party leader who publicly speaks against the Congress or violates party discipline. He also urged party workers to avoid making public statements that could harm the party's image.
