Amarinder Singh Warring Resignation: Who Will Be The Next Punjab President? Meet the top contenders | Today’s news
Ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, the Congress is set to replace Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as its Punjab unit president, with the party high command informing him of the decision, according to party sources quoted by PTI. Warring subsequently stepped down, with an official announcement of his successor expected soon.
Warring’s bio on X now states, “Former President PPCC” (PPCC – Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee).
The change in leadership follows an organizational review conducted by Congress general secretary in charge of Punjab pilot Sachin. After assuming command on September 5, Pilot held a series of meetings with state leaders and officials before submitting his report to the party high command, the report said.
The move comes amid weeks of factional differences in the Punjab Congress as the party seeks to reorganize its state unit ahead of the 2027 parliamentary polls.
According to reports, Vijay Inder Singla, Charanjit Singh Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Rana KP Singh and Pargat Singh are among the names being discussed for the post of Punjab President.
Who are the main contenders?
Vijay Inder Singla
Former Punjab minister and former Sangrur MP Vijay Inder Singla has emerged as a prominent name in the race, with many reports describing him as the frontrunner. He is a member of the Congress Working Committee and has also served as the Joint Treasurer of the AICC. Singla held Punjab government portfolios including education, PWD and IT.
Charanjit Singh Channi
Former Punjab Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi was also mentioned in the leadership change reports. A section of Punjab Congress leaders led by Channi had earlier opposed Warring’s continuation as the state unit chief.
Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa
Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa is another senior leader whose name has been discussed for the post. Randhawa, a Jat Sikh leader, previously served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and held ministerial responsibilities in the state government.
Pargat Singh
Jalandhar Cantonment MLA Pargat Singh, a former Olympian and former Punjab minister, is also among the names being considered. He was earlier serving as general secretary (organization) of the Punjab Congress when Navjot Singh Sidhu was the state unit chief.
Rana KP Singh
Former Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Rana KP Singh is another name reportedly being considered. He is a former MLA and held a high position in the political leadership of the state. Recent reports have included him among possible successors to Warring.
A factional rift is deepening ahead of the Punjab Assembly polls
The Punjab Congress is grappling with internal differences, even as the party leadership has repeatedly said it is working to strengthen organizational unity ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections.
The rift became more visible on 1 July when the Congress leadership decided to retain Warring as Punjab commander while appointing Channi as the chairman of its election committee.
Channi and a section of party leaders subsequently opposed Warring’s continuation as state congress president and called for his removal.
Channi’s supporters also sought to project him as the chief ministerial face of the party ahead of the parliamentary polls.
