The Punjab Congress is witnessing renewed internal tensions ahead of the Assembly elections, with the proposed meeting between former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi's camp and AICC Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel being postponed. According to party sources, the meeting could not take place after both sides failed to reach a consensus on certain conditions put forward by the Channi camp, raising fresh questions over unity within the state unit.

Sources said the meeting may now be held at a later date. The delay comes at a crucial time when the Congress leadership is attempting to resolve factional differences and strengthen the organisation before the election campaign gathers momentum.

Two Conditions Delayed the Meeting

According to party sources, the Channi camp had proposed two conditions before agreeing to the meeting. First, it reportedly wanted the discussion to be held at a venue other than the Punjab Congress headquarters. Second, it sought the absence of Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring from the meeting.

As the two sides could not agree on these demands, the scheduled interaction was postponed. No official statement has been issued by the party explaining the cancellation.

Focus Shifts to Rahul Gandhi

People close to Charanjit Singh Channi say the former Chief Minister is keen to meet Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi before taking any major political decision.

According to sources, Channi wants any significant role assigned to him for the upcoming Assembly elections to have Rahul Gandhi's direct approval rather than being decided solely at the state level. His supporters believe such a meeting could help clarify his future responsibilities within the party.

Baghel Continues Outreach

Despite the postponement, Bhupesh Baghel has continued meeting Congress leaders in Punjab as part of his organisational outreach.

Party sources indicate that his visit to the state could be extended to facilitate further discussions aimed at reducing internal differences. While Channi himself has not met Baghel, some leaders considered close to the former Chief Minister have interacted with the Punjab in-charge.

Former MP Mohammad Sadiq attended a dinner hosted by Baghel, while senior leader Razia Sultana also met him separately, signalling that communication channels between the two camps remain open.

Raja Warring Seen as Strengthening His Position

Political observers believe Punjab Congress president Raja Warring has emerged in a relatively stronger position during the current episode. He has remained actively engaged with the party leadership and organisational meetings, reinforcing his authority within the state unit.

Analysts say that if Channi directly meets Baghel without first securing clarity from the central leadership, it could be perceived as a political compromise. At the same time, prolonged factionalism could weaken the party's preparations ahead of the Assembly elections.

Election Preparations at Stake

With the Punjab Assembly elections approaching, the Congress leadership faces the challenge of maintaining unity among its senior leaders. Candidate selection, campaign strategy and organisational coordination are expected to become increasingly important in the coming months.

Political analysts believe the party's central leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, may play a key role in resolving the ongoing differences. The outcome of the expected discussions could significantly influence the Congress' electoral strategy and internal balance of power in Punjab ahead of the state polls.