Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi new cycle campaign has started with fresh political controversy. The Congress leader launched the 'Jawani Sambhal Yatra' from Chamkaur Sahib on Thursday, November 12, but questions about unity within the Punjab Congress have already become a major talking point.
The eight day campaign aims to connect with young people and highlight major issues such as unemployment, drug abuse, corruption and law and order in Punjab. The first phase will cover around 625 kilometres and pass through 27 Assembly constituencies. The campaign is also part of the Congress party preparation for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
However, the absence of former Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring from the launch event attracted attention and raised fresh questions about internal differences. Senior Congress leaders, including Sachin Pilot and other party members, attended the launch. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and BJP leader Sunil Jakhar took aim at the Congress over its internal differences. Mann questioned the purpose of Channi campaign, while Jakhar described the political exercise as an internal Congress show rather than a campaign focused on Punjab problems.
The Congress leadership has rejected claims of division and maintained that its leaders are working together through different programmes. The coming days will show whether this campaign can strengthen the Congress in Punjab or increase questions about its leadership and unity before the 2027 elections.
