With the appointment of Pargat Singh as President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC), the months‑long factional feud in the Congress may appear to have ended but internal bickering among different power groups is far from over. His elevation has, in fact, created another power corridor in Punjab.
If Rahul Gandhi believes he has resolved the Punjab Congress crisis, it would not be wrong to say he is living in a fool’s paradise. The removal of Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has already triggered strong resentment among his supporters. Even Charanjit Singh Channi, the Jalandhar MP, who along with senior leaders had campaigned for Warring’s replacement, is now upset. Some Channi supporters told The News Gateway, “We were hoping either Channi, Partap Singh Bajwa or Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa would be made PPCC president but the high command gave the coveted chair to Pargat. Considering that Pargat is quite junior in seniority to leaders like Randhawa and Bajwa, factionalism will persist — not in the public domain but internally — and this will adversely affect the party’s electoral prospects.”
Interactions with the top brass of Punjab Congress also revealed that a majority of leaders felt Bajwa should have been chosen if Warring had to be replaced. “Bajwa is mature, experienced, has served both in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, earlier led Punjab Congress as president and is currently Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. He would have been the best choice. It is beyond understanding what went through Rahul’s mind in appointing Pargat,” said a senior CWC member, preferring anonymity.
According to many Congress leaders, it is difficult to digest that someone with an Akali Dal background and far junior to several state leaders has been designated as president. “It is really hard to accept that leaders like Bajwa and Randhawa will now report to Pargat. Though in public, all factions may claim unity, in reality factionalism will intensify with his appointment,” said a party insider.
Meanwhile, Warring’s supporters are extremely annoyed over his removal. “Warring worked tirelessly for four and a half years, never defied high command orders and led several elections in Punjab. Suddenly, he was projected as useless by the Channi group and high command replaced him,” said Warring’s close confidant.
Warring himself is deeply upset and not inclined to bow down. His post‑resignation statements have been mature but he has made it clear that AICC general secretary in‑charge of Punjab affairs, Sachin Pilot, came with a premeditated mind to submit a report against him. Reliable sources say Warring has reiterated he is a loyal soldier of the party, with no personal ambitions but the manner of his removal has left him determined not to be taken for granted.
It is learnt that Warring has told supporters that he will only attend Congress meetings, rallies and programmes if invited. His state of mind is evident from his remark to a channel that he has done enough work and if the party wishes, he is even ready to retire. This is not a small statement but a decisive one.
The next big clash is expected during ticket distribution for the 117 Assembly constituencies. Screening committee meetings will see top leaders vociferously demanding tickets for their supporters, most likely leading to confrontation and sending Punjab a clear message that Congress remains a divided house.
In short, it is premature to conclude that all is well in the Punjab Congress. The real picture will emerge once the screening committee for candidate selection is constituted. Until then, Rahul Gandhi may continue under the illusion that he has set things right, while the reality remains starkly otherwise.