Fatehgarh Sahib, July 31
In what appears to be unmistakable signs of unending factional strife, former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi’s conspicuous absence from the Congress’ booth‑level mass mobilization drive, “Har Booth Mazboot”, has laid bare the deepening cracks within the party. The sidelining of leaders perceived as Channi’s allies has only reinforced the perception of a fierce tussle between rival camps in the Punjab Congress.
Even as the party sounded the election bugle in Punjab with the launch of its grassroots programme, the absence of key figures spoke louder than the speeches. The event, presided over by AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab affairs Bhupesh Baghel, saw participation from district, block and booth‑level office bearers. Yet, the missing presence of Channi and his camp underscored the simmering internal discord that threatens to overshadow Congress’ mobilization efforts.
Warring, with little new to add beyond his oft‑repeated refrain, sought to project unity once again—asserting that the Congress stands above any individual and pledging unwavering loyalty to the party regardless of position.
Significantly, Baghel’s very first day in Punjab has laid bare the Congress’ festering fault lines. Political observers say his visit only sharpened the perception of a party split between rival power centres—Raja Warring on one side and Charanjit Singh Channi on the other. The nine‑day feedback tour is now seen as significant, with Baghel’s report expected to give crucial feedback to the high command’s choices on organisational leadership and election strategy as the Punjab Assembly polls draw closer.
Meanwhile, setting the tone for the mobilization Bhagel said that elections in Punjab were quite close and these were going to be the most important elections which are not only being watched across the country, but even outside. He pointed out, Punjab holds an important place in the country. Asserting that these elections will decide the fate of Punjab, he said, for the Congressmen these had a special significance as for the last five years they had faced intimidation, humiliation and vendetta. He said, it is always the workers who suffer the worst.
Noting that the AAP was on the way out, he said, the Congress was the only option for the state. He predicted a five-cornered contest in Punjab this time. He said the Congress was faced with a challenge from two governments; the BJP government at the centre and the AAP in Punjab. They are two sides of the same coin, he remarked, while adding that there will be two more players, the Akalis and the Waris Punjab De.
Quoting senior leader Rahul Gandhi, Baghel said, these elections are going to be a battle for principles and ideology. He said, it is a battle to save the unity, brotherhood, harmony and constitution of the country which are under grave threat. He said, both the BJP and the AAP have no faith in the constitution.