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Raja Warring’s continuation as Punjab PCC chief comes under fresh scrutiny (Images: X)
New Delhi: The Congress is moving towards a possible change in the leadership of its Punjab unit, with party sources indicating that a decision on replacing Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring could come within the next few days.
The development comes ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections and follows the appointment of Sachin Pilot as the Congress general secretary in charge of Punjab earlier this month. Pilot replaced Bhupesh Baghel in the organisational reshuffle.
According to reports, the Congress high command has initiated discussions on the state leadership after Pilot took charge of Punjab affairs. The Tribune reported on September 30 that a change of guard could take place within two days, with Warring expected to be called to New Delhi. Pilot had earlier said that further organisational changes could not be ruled out, describing a restructuring of the state unit as part of the party's organisational process.
Several senior Congress leaders have been mentioned in discussions over a possible successor to Warring. The names cited in political circles include former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Leader of the Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa, former minister Vijay Inder Singla and Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla. However, a September 30 report by The Tribune also named Pargat Singh, Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria and Gurjeet Singh Aujla among those being considered, indicating that the field of possible contenders remains fluid.
The organisational discussions come as Congress prepares for the next Punjab Assembly election. Pilot has already held consultations with senior leaders, including Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Vijay Inder Singla. Pilot said on Tuesday that the Congress campaign in Punjab had begun and that party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi would participate in the campaign in the state.
The party has also been working to bring different sections of its Punjab unit together after months of disagreements over organisational leadership.
Warring was retained as Punjab Congress president in the party's July organisational arrangement, while Channi was given the responsibility of heading the campaign committee. The arrangement was followed by internal disagreements over the state leadership.
The appointment of Pilot as Punjab in-charge subsequently added to speculation about a broader organisational restructuring. The Indian Express reported that Pilot's appointment came amid an ongoing tussle between the Warring and Channi camps.
While several names are being discussed, the final decision on the next Punjab PCC president rests with the Congress high command. An official announcement is awaited. The leadership change, if confirmed, would come as the party steps up its organisational preparations for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
