Overview
- A video from a Congress Scheduled Caste wing meeting in Chandigarh shows Charanjit Singh Channi questioning why top Punjab Congress posts are held by upper-caste leaders, though one outlet said it could not independently verify the clip.
- Channi denied speaking against any caste, called the episode malicious propaganda, and said he supports fair representation within an inclusive party framework.
- Party leaders escalated the matter to the All India Congress Committee, with the high command taking note and preparing to discuss it with state leaders on January 23.
- Responses within Congress split, as Punjab chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring downplayed bias and highlighted Channi’s senior roles, while MP Dharamvira Gandhi warned that factional fighting is damaging the party.
- The row drew outside pressure as BJP leader Kewal Singh Dhillon invited Channi to switch sides, and intra-Dalit tensions surfaced with Sukhwinder Singh Danny Bandala reportedly challenging Ravidasia dominance during Channi’s tenure.