Chandigarh, February 25
The upcoming Congress Maha Rally in Barnala on February 28 is more than just another political gathering with state elections a year away—it is a pivotal moment for Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. A successful rally could silence Warring’s detractors and consolidate his leadership, while any setback would embolden critics to push for his replacement before the party’s central leadership. The significance of the rally can be gauged from Warring’s relentless efforts to ensure it is a grand success. Massive arrangements are underway for the February 28 event and Warring himself is leading from the front—holding statewide meetings to mobilize the party cadre and drive turnout.
It is worth noting that after a series of MGNREGA Bachao Sangram rallies across Punjab led by former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and AICC general secretary in-charge of the state, Bhupesh Baghel, the upcoming Barnala rally will see the participation of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. The event, organized by the Punjab Congress, is positioned as a strong protest against the scrapping of MGNREGA and the signing of the trade deal with the United States.
Notably, Rahul Gandhi had last visited Punjab in September 2025, touring flood-hit areas in Amritsar and Gurdaspur. Since then, the Punjab Congress has undergone significant internal upheaval, marked by rising factionalism within the state unit. Around 30 party leaders submitted a signed letter to the high command seeking an appointment with Rahul Gandhi, reportedly to air grievances against PPCC chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and press for his replacement.
Amid this turbulence, former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi had sparked a controversy last month by questioning why Dalits, who constitute nearly 35-40 per cent of Punjab’s population, remain excluded from key leadership roles in the Congress.
Taking swift note of these developments, the top leadership of the Punjab Congress was summoned to New Delhi for a meeting. During the meeting, chaired by Rahul Gandhi and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, a stern warning was issued to the Punjab Congress, making it clear that indiscipline would not be tolerated and that internal matters must not be aired in public. Since that meeting, Congress leaders, including Warring’s detractors, have remained tight-lipped, avoiding media interactions. However, insiders reveal that efforts to push for Warring’s replacement ahead of the crucial 2027 elections have still not subsided.
Meanwhile, it is learnt that Warring is taking no chances and is personally overseeing preparations for the rally. Former MLA Hardyal Singh Kamboj has been appointed as the Barnala district in-charge to coordinate with Barnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhillon on the arrangements. In addition, halqa-wise coordinators have been assigned specific responsibilities to ensure maximum turnout at the rally.
Asserting that the party stands united, Warring said, “The rally will witness a massive gathering, as the people of Punjab want to hear Rahul Gandhi, who has raised critical issues—the scrapping of MGNREGA and the Indo–US Trade Deal—both of which pose direct threats to Punjab’s interests, particularly farmers and rural workers.” Expressing confidence in the rally’s success, Warring said, “The entire state leadership will be present at the rally. Alongside them, party workers from across Punjab will also participate in the Maha Rally, which will set the tone for next year’s state assembly elections.”
