Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Congress Infighting Threatens Poll Prospects as Chouhan Eyes Comeback
Rahul Gandhi is becoming more popular with some voters, especially young people.
However, many Congress members say their party groups are fighting with one another.
Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are especially important because they will hold elections next year.
In Punjab, leaders Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Charanjit Singh Channi are leading rival camps.
This disagreement has delayed the party’s election campaign.
In Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Chouhan has been visiting more often after the BJP lost a by-election in Datia.
This has led to talk that he may still hope to return as chief minister.
Opposition parties were once pleased with their unity but are now waiting for Congress to organise their next INDIA bloc meeting.
BJP leaders are also considering people from Punjab for a possible Cabinet reshuffle.
Rahul Gandhi’s public image is improving, but Congress insiders say the party organisation remains divided.
Factional disputes between Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Charanjit Singh Channi are troubling the Punjab Congress.
Congress has repeatedly delayed its Punjab bus yatra because Rahul Gandhi reportedly wants the party to present a united front.
Shivraj Chouhan’s visits to Madhya Pradesh increased after the BJP lost a bypoll in Datia, reviving speculation about his political hopes.
The INDIA bloc’s proposed August meeting in Hyderabad had not been scheduled by the time the month was nearing its end.
- Who
- The Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, INDIA bloc parties, Rahul Gandhi, Shivraj Chouhan, and several Punjab political leaders.
- What
- Congress is facing internal factionalism before state elections, while a Datia bypoll defeat has encouraged speculation about Chouhan’s political future.
- When
- The developments concern the period after the recent Monsoon Session of Parliament and before next year’s Assembly elections; the proposed INDIA bloc meeting was expected in August.
- Where
- The main political disputes are in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, with the proposed opposition meeting planned for Hyderabad.
- Why
- Internal disputes could weaken Congress’s election prospects, while the BJP’s Datia defeat has placed Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav under pressure.
Congress and Opposition Claims
Rivals and Internal Critics
Rahul Gandhi’s political momentum
Congress and Opposition Claims
Congress supporters believe Rahul Gandhi’s improving public image and programmes such as “Chhatron ki Goonj” can strengthen the party.
Rivals and Internal Critics
Congress insiders warn that his personal popularity may not translate into electoral gains because state units remain divided.
Punjab Congress strategy
Congress and Opposition Claims
The party wants to launch a bus yatra and challenge the Aam Aadmi Party in the next Assembly election.
Rivals and Internal Critics
The rivalry between Warring and Channi, along with speculation about defections and a possible Channi-led party, could undermine Congress’s campaign.
Opposition unity
Congress and Opposition Claims
INDIA bloc parties had presented a united front during the Monsoon Session and wanted regular consultations against the BJP.
Rivals and Internal Critics
The delay in arranging the next meeting has led allies to question whether Congress is maintaining the promised coordination.
- Punjab election concern
- Rival camps led by Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Charanjit Singh Channi are engaged in a major dispute.
- Congress campaign
- The Punjab Congress bus yatra has been repeatedly delayed.
- Rahul Gandhi’s condition
- He is reportedly willing to flag off the yatra only if the Punjab unit appears united.
- Datia bypoll
- The Congress recently defeated the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Datia bypoll.
- Chouhan’s activity
- Shivraj Chouhan has increased his visits to Madhya Pradesh and recently met the state’s Members of Parliament in Bhopal.
- INDIA bloc meeting
- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had announced an August meeting in Hyderabad, but allies had not received details as August neared its end.
- Possible Cabinet reshuffle
- Punjab MPs are seeking representation, with Raghav Chadha and Vikramjit Singh Sahney mentioned as possible contenders.