Punjab Congress Factionalism Intensifies Over Dalit Representation
The Punjab Congress faces deepening internal divisions as former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi demands greater representation for Dalits in the party's organizational structure. This move has exposed significant fault lines within the faction-ridden state unit.
Channi Raises Representation Issue
During a recent meeting of the Congress Scheduled Caste department, Channi reportedly questioned why Dalits lack proportionate representation despite constituting 35% to 38% of Punjab's population. In a video circulating on social media, he points out that key positions including Punjab Congress president, CLP leader, Mahila wing president, and general secretary all belong to upper castes.
Channi asks where Scheduled Caste leaders would find space in the current organizational setup. He refers to the leadership as "upper caste" in his remarks, though he does not specifically mention Jat Sikhs contrary to some reports.
Warring Responds to Controversy
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring declined to comment directly on Channi's remarks, calling it an internal party matter. However, he reminded everyone that Channi was elevated to chief minister despite Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa being widely considered the frontrunner at that time.
Warring emphasized that no position in the state is higher than chief minister, and the party unanimously accepted Channi for that role. He also noted that Channi remains a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee.
The PPCC president asserted that Dalits and upper castes cannot progress without each other. He reiterated the Congress party's ideological position, stating that it does not practice politics based on religion or caste. Warring quoted Guru Gobind Singh's line "Manas ki Jaat Sabhai Ekai Pehchanbo" to underline the principle of equality.
Channi Denies Making Controversial Remarks
Channi described the controversy as a smear campaign against him. He stated, "I am a son of the sacred land of Chamkaur Sahib and I cannot speak against any caste or community." The former chief minister said he follows the teachings of the Gurus and maintained that he never made any remark about caste or community in any meeting.
He thanked the Congress party for entrusting him with important responsibilities and said he consistently raised the voice of the people while holding these positions. Channi added that Punjab resembles a bouquet of many flowers, and only by moving forward together can the party grow stronger and return to power.
Senior Leaders Criticize Channi
Senior Congress leader and former PPCC President Shamsher Singh Dullo, a prominent Dalit leader, launched a sharp attack on Channi. He termed the controversy unwarranted and described Channi as unfamiliar with the party's culture, calling him an outsider.
Dullo pointed out that within a short span after joining the Congress in 2012, Channi was made Leader of the Opposition in 2015, inducted as a cabinet minister in 2017, and elevated as chief minister in 2021. Despite losing both his assembly seats in the 2022 elections, Channi received the Lok Sabha ticket from Jalandhar.
The senior leader said raising such issues only weakens the organization and creates unnecessary divisions when the party needs unity most. He emphasized that the Congress is a secular party where all sections receive equal opportunity.
Other Leaders Weigh In
Senior Dalit leader Sukhwinder Singh Danny noted that the Congress has historically provided representation to all sections of society, citing Channi's own example. He urged party leaders to remain focused on the collective goal of winning the 2027 Assembly elections.
Former Youth Congress President Brinder Singh Dhillon dismissed suggestions of a Dalit versus Jat Sikh divide. He said Channi merely sought fair representation within the party's organizational structure. Dhillon alleged that attempts were being made to create a misleading narrative to weaken the Congress.
Gandhi Expresses Concern Over Factionalism
Patiala MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi expressed concern about growing factionalism within the Congress, particularly in its Punjab unit. He called the internal infighting "disheartening" at a time when the party faces serious national and global challenges.
Dr Gandhi said the Punjab Congress appears caught in narrow factional politics and fails to look at the larger political picture. He warned against complacency, noting that the BJP has openly spoken of creating a "Congress-mukt Bharat."
Leaders Defend Channi
Senior Congress leaders Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon (Kikki), and Inderbir Bolaria came out in defense of Channi. They stated that social justice and fair representation have always been at the core of the Congress party's ideology, a cause consistently articulated by Rahul Gandhi.
These leaders maintained that Channi raised the representation issue in this spirit. They said he underlined that lack of representation for any section amounts to denial of justice. According to them, Channi never spoke against any community or expressed ill will toward anyone.
They further alleged that there had been a deliberate attempt to create a divide between Jat Sikhs and Dalits. With the full video now public, they claimed this narrative has been proven incorrect. The leaders asserted that Channi only referred to factual ground realities.
High Command Calls Meeting
Amid the ongoing turmoil in the state unit, the Congress high command has called a meeting of top leaders to discuss the prevailing situation on January 23. All senior leaders including Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Charanjit Singh Channi, and Partap Singh Bajwa are expected to attend along with other party figures.
BJP Seeks Political Advantage
The BJP attempted to capitalize on the controversy by publicly inviting Channi to join their party. Senior BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon posted on social media, "Charanjit Channi ji, as a proud Punjabi, I believe your stand on Dalit representation reflects leadership and secular values. In the BJP Punjab, you will find respect, dignity and real opportunities to serve every community."
The political maneuvering continues as the Congress struggles to contain internal divisions while preparing for the crucial 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
