Frictional struggles within the Punjab Congress escalated sharply after Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring publicly referred to protesting party workers as “RSS ke chamchon” (agents of the RSS). Moreover, the controversial remark was delivered at a “Har Booth Congress Mazboot” organizational event held in Ludhiana. The event took place in the presence of AICC Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel.
The outburst came when supporters of former minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu—a close loyalist of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi—interrupted official proceedings with slogans like “Baghel Go Back,” “Ashu Zindabad,” and “Channi Zindabad”. As a result, Warring, who was visibly agitated, lashed out from the stage. He shouted, “RSS ke chamchon baahar jaao… Ludhiana doesn’t belong to any RSS agent”.
Escalating Factional War Over 2027 Leadership
The public confrontation is the latest flare-up in an ongoing power struggle between Warring and the faction aligned with Charanjit Singh Channi.
Factional tensions have mounted since the Congress high command opted to retain Warring as state unit chief. He will lead the party for the upcoming 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Supporters of Channi have openly voiced dissatisfaction with Warring’s leadership. They demanded that the party high command replace him with the former Chief Minister to lead the 2027 election campaign.
The friction between Warring and Ashu traces back to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. At that time, the party fielded Warring from Ludhiana instead of Ashu, who was local two-time MLA from Ludhiana West.
Heavy Blowback From Within Congress Ranks and Opponents
Warring’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from local Congress leaders and former councillors. Bharat Bhushan Ashu responded by dismissing the RSS claim. He reminded party leaders that he stood by the party through tough legal battles. In addition, Ashu supported Warring’s 2024 Lok Sabha campaign.
Former councillors and local office-bearers present at the event expressed deep hurt. They pointed out that calling lifelong Congress workers “RSS agents” simply for raising slogans in favor of a senior leader was unfortunate and counterproductive.
Opposition parties quickly seized on the internal turmoil to target the Congress state leadership. In response, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mocked Warring’s outburst. They stated that if the state Congress chief sees RSS operatives in his own party workers, it highlights his insecurity regarding the BJP’s growing political footprint.
Meanwhile, the Punjab RSS leadership urged the Congress high command to clarify why individuals suspected of being external agents were given party tickets. These individuals had also been elected to posts in the past.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
