On January 20, 2026, the Punjab Congress finds itself embroiled in a deepening internal crisis following explosive remarks by former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi.
During a meeting of the party’s Scheduled Caste (SC) wing in Chandigarh on Saturday, January 17, Channi questioned the dominance of “upper castes”—specifically targeting the concentration of power among Jat Sikh leaders—in the state unit’s top organizational posts.
The Controversy: “Where Should Dalits Go?”
The row was ignited by a viral video from the meeting where Channi pointed out a lack of proportional representation for the Dalit community, which constitutes roughly 35–38% of Punjab’s population.
- The Allegation: Channi noted that the Punjab Congress President (Amrinder Singh Raja Warring), the CLP Leader (Partap Singh Bajwa), the Women’s Wing Chief, and the State General Secretary are all from upper castes.
- The Question: “Where should Dalits go? Where will these people go?” Channi asked in the clip, suggesting the community is being sidelined despite doing the “heavy lifting” for the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections.
- The Clarification: Following the backlash, Channi issued a video statement on Monday alleging “malicious propaganda.” He stated he believes in the philosophy of “Manas ki jaat sabhai ek pehchaan” (recognize all of mankind as one) and was merely advocating for “social justice” rather than attacking any specific community.
Internal Response & BJP’s Invitation
The remarks have sharpened factional divides within the party and provided ammunition to political rivals.
- Amrinder Singh Raja Warring: The Punjab Congress Chief played down the “caste row,” reminding Channi that the party had previously elevated him to the state’s highest post (CM) and currently recognizes him as a CWC member. “Dalits are the crown of our heads… Congress is a secular party,” Warring asserted.
- The BJP’s Move: Seizing the opportunity, Punjab BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon publicly invited Channi to join the saffron party. Dhillon claimed that Channi would find “dignity and respect” in the BJP, a move aimed at courting the influential Dalit vote bank.
- High Command Intervention: Reports suggest the Congress high command has summoned state leaders for a meeting in New Delhi on January 23 to address the friction and finalize committees for the 2027 polls.