Congress high command calls meeting of Punjab CWC members on January 23
Though the agenda for the meeting is not known, sources say that feedback and surveyS on the standing of the Punjab Congress ahead of the 2027 polls, as well as internal discord among leaders, could be discussed
Amid simmering internal discord within the Punjab Congress over alleged “Jat versus Dalit” remarks at an internal party meeting, tensions have risen, and the party’s high command is understood to have called a meeting of Congress Working Committee (CWC) members from Punjab on January 23.
Though the agenda for the rescheduled meeting is not yet known, sources said that feedback and survey reports on the standing of the Punjab Congress ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, as well as the internal discord among leaders, could be discussed.
The meeting is expected to be followed by individual meetings between the top leadership and key leaders in Delhi, as Punjab is considered a crucial state for the party.
Among the CWC members are senior leader Ambika Soni; AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab affairs Bhupesh Baghel; PPCC chief Amrinder Raja Warring; CLP leader Partap Bajwa; former CM and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi; Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Randhawa; and AICC treasurer Vijay Inder Singla, among others.
Warring said that Congress does not indulge in politics based on caste or religion and remains committed to taking all sections of society along. “Party matters are best discussed within the party,” Warring added.
Reacting to the controversy over alleged comments pertaining to Jats made at a party meeting, Channi dismissed the allegations, claiming that his statements were being deliberately misrepresented by vested interests. “A false narrative is being created against me by linking my remarks to casteism. I am not against any caste or religion, nor do I have any personal rivalry with anyone. I am grateful to the Congress for giving me major responsibilities, including the post of Chief Minister,” he said.
Against the backdrop of Jat leaders seeking time to meet the party leadership and rival factions pushing for their candidates ahead of the Punjab Youth Congress elections, Patiala MP Dharamvira Gandhi wrote on social media on Monday: “So unhappy, so sad. The Congress party, especially its faction‑ridden Punjab unit, is bereft of depth politics,” as he urged the high command to enforce strict discipline. “The party should also postpone the Youth Congress elections,” he added.
Former Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly Rana KP Singh today called upon everyone in the party to exercise restraint in voicing their opinions. He cautioned senior party leaders that the party’s strength must not be perceived as its weakness.
The former Speaker said that being a democratic party, Congress accepts and accommodates all opinions and gives its leaders and workers the freedom to voice their views. He said it is the duty of every Congressman to respect that privilege and not allow it to be misinterpreted or misrepresented.
He dismissed speculation about any leadership tussle within the party at any level. “Yes, we have senior leaders with a distinguished record and contribution toward strengthening the party, and they have every right to cherish leadership ambitions, but this does not mean they are fighting against each other,” Singh said.
Former Faridkot MLA Khushaldeep Dhillon alleged that the anti‑Jat narrative against Channi was created by the AAP in connivance with vested interests to deflect attention from the anti‑Dalit narrative against the AAP government after MLA Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi resigned as chairman following the controversy over 169 saroops at Raja Sahib’s Darbar.
