Scuffles, slogans as twin Congress poll meets plunge into chaos

Punjab Congress Meetings Descend into Disorder Amid Factional Tensions

Bharatmorningnews.com – Scuffles slogans as twin Congress poll meetings in Punjab witnessed significant disruptions on Saturday when supporters of Charanjit Singh Channi interrupted party gatherings in both Patiala and Sangrur districts. The incidents occurred while AICC general secretary Bhupesh Baghel was attending the events, bringing an end to a brief period of calm between rival Congress factions in the state.

Slogans and Disruptions at Party Events

Both programmes were organized to strengthen party presence at the grassroots level ahead of the crucial 2027 Punjab assembly elections. Chaos broke out when Channi’s followers began raising slogans shortly after Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring commenced his speech. The gathering erupted with chants including “Charanjit Singh Channi zindabad,” “Channi teri soch te pehra deyange thok ke,” and “Channi liyao, Punjab bachao.”

“I request workers not to raise slogans during the meeting and maintain decorum to hold peaceful meetings,” Channi said in a later appeal to his followers.

At the Patiala venue, the ‘Har Booth, Congress Mazboot’ programme attracted several prominent party figures, including MP Amar Singh and Brahm Mohindra. Warring appeared visibly frustrated as he made repeated calls for order, yet the shouting continued before the event could proceed normally.

Physical Altercation in Sangrur

Similar disturbances unfolded hours later in Sangrur, where Channi’s supporters voiced both support for their leader and criticism toward Baghel. A tense confrontation developed between Warring and Channi loyalists, eventually turning physical. Rajinder Deepa, a Warring ally, became involved in the scuffle alongside members of the opposing faction.

As emotions escalated, chairs were hurled inside the venue, prompting senior officials to step in. Following the incident, Channi’s supporters departed the meeting, claiming that state leadership had ignored their concerns.

Leadership Warnings and Clarifications

Baghel warned that whosoever indulges in indiscipline will be shown the door.

The AICC chief had previously stated on Friday that factionalism did not exist within Punjab’s Congress unit. However, he made it clear that those violating party discipline would face consequences. Baghel referenced the earlier expulsion of Navjot Kaur Sidhu as an example of his strict approach.

When questioned about potential action against Channi, Baghel asked what error the former chief minister had actually committed. He also dismissed allegations that certain leaders were avoiding district committee meetings, stating that all officials had been notified and were attending as their schedules permitted.

Background of the Dispute

Punjab Congress has faced ongoing internal divisions despite leadership claims of organizational unity building. Tensions surfaced following the July 1 decision to keep Warring as Punjab unit president while naming Channi as campaign committee chairperson. A group of leaders including Channi and Randhawa challenged this arrangement and demanded Warring’s removal.

Baghel dedicated nearly seven days to meeting with representatives from both sides before presenting his findings to the national leadership. Currently, he is touring various assembly constituencies across Punjab to engage with district and block-level party members.

Looking Ahead

During his Patiala address, Baghel emphasized that Punjab citizens were seeking a people-oriented alternative through Congress. He called for unity among party members while clarifying that the chief ministerial candidate would be selected only after the elections.

“Channi did not send these people. He is our crown,” Warring told reporters in Sangrur, blaming the Aam Aadmi Party for sending outsiders to disrupt the Congress programme.

Warring stressed that grassroots strength matters more than individual popularity when it comes to electoral success. He noted that even the most well-known leaders cannot secure victories without a robust organizational foundation at the local level.