NEW DELHI: Infighting within the Punjab Congress intensified after representatives of the faction backing former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi over Amrinder Singh Raja Warring departed for Delhi on Monday to seek a meeting with the party high command, news agency ANI reported, citing sources.Sources told ANI that the faction headed to Delhi even as AICC in-charge of the state Bhupesh Baghel is scheduled to be in the state.This comes hours after Congress leader and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa shared a photograph on social media that appeared to be a show of strength Channi’s faction.Among those present were manifesto committee co-chairman and MLA Pargat Singh, election committee co-chairpersons Razia Sultana and Bharat Bhushan Ashu, along with several other senior party leaders.”Unity is strength,” Randhawa captioned the post.Notably absent from the gathering were Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira.However, the Punjab Congress, in a social media post, clarified that the meeting was part of preparations for the 2027 assembly elections.”In view of the preparations for the 2027 assembly elections, Punjab Congress campaign committee chairman Charanjit Singh Channi and core committee chairman Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa held an important meeting with their team and senior party leaders. During this meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding election strategy, further strengthening the organisation, and upcoming programmes,” the party said.’Please do not exaggerate the Morinda meeting’Reacting to the photo shared by Randhawa, Warring refuted speculation about the rift within Congress and said that “the meeting was not against anyone.””Channi saab (referring to Charanjit Singh Channi) has only shared his photograph and stated that the meeting held in Morinda was continued. That meeting was not against anyone. As I have already explained, the Morinda meeting was held at the residence of our senior leader, respected Charanjit Singh Channi, who has been appointed chairman of the campaign committee,” Warring said.”Many leaders went there to welcome and meet him. Those who did not attend may do so in the coming days. Please do not exaggerate the Morinda meeting. It was held to strengthen the Congress party, and today’s meeting is also for the same purpose. Within the next couple of days, you will see all Congress leaders together on one platform,” he added.The development comes days after Warring dismissed speculation about a rebellion within the party. He maintained that the Congress remained united and said he was not in the race for the chief minister’s post.He also asserted that the entire state Congress leadership would soon be seen together on one platform.”The Congress is united. Our rivals can dream on, but nothing is going to happen. Channi, Warring and all others will be seen together, fighting the battle for Punjab,” he said.”Channi is a respected senior leader, our brother and the campaign committee chairman. The colour of rebellion was given by rival political parties, which portrayed it as a challenge to the Congress high command,” he added.Asked about the party’s chief ministerial face for the 2027 elections, Warring said the decision rested entirely with the Congress high command.”I am in only one race and that is to bring the Congress to power (in Punjab),” he said.Last week, the Congress high command announced a major organisational reshuffle in Punjab, retaining Warring as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president while appointing Channi as chairman of the Campaign Committee, a move widely seen as an attempt to balance competing factions within the state unit.According to a statement issued by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge approved the appointments with immediate effect. Under the new structure, Channi will head the campaign committee, Vijay Inder Singla will chair the election management and coordination committee, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa will lead the core committee, and Amar Singh will head the manifesto committee.Later, Channi called a crucial meeting at his residence in Morinda, where several leaders, including stalwarts such as Bharat Bhushan Ashu, were in attendance and voiced support for his leadership. The leaders urged the party high command to reconsider the recently announced organisational appointments in Punjab, asserting that the Congress would return to power under Channi’s leadership.The Congress also confirmed that Warring will continue as the Punjab Congress president, while Partap Singh Bajwa will remain the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party in the state.Referring to the gathering at Channi’s residence, Warring rejected suggestions of a revolt and said, “There is no rebellion. They had gone to the residence of our former chief minister and the chairperson of our campaign committee. Some people went to meet him, some went to congratulate him and no one has stopped anyone from going or coming. So how is this a rebellion? It would have been a rebellion had Channi or Warring said something.” Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123Photostories“Saving ₹5,000 a month will not change your life”: Why Ranveer Allahbadia’s money advice for people earning under ₹50,000 hits different for womenHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? 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NEW DELHI: Infighting within the Punjab Congress intensified after representatives of the faction backing former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi over Amrinder Singh Raja Warring departed for Delhi on Monday to seek a meeting with the party high command, news agency ANI reported, citing sources.Sources told ANI that the faction headed to Delhi even as AICC in-charge of the state Bhupesh Baghel is scheduled to be in the state.This comes hours after Congress leader and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa shared a photograph on social media that appeared to be a show of strength Channi’s faction.Among those present were manifesto committee co-chairman and MLA Pargat Singh, election committee co-chairpersons Razia Sultana and Bharat Bhushan Ashu, along with several other senior party leaders.“Unity is strength,” Randhawa captioned the post.Notably absent from the gathering were Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa and MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira.However, the Punjab Congress, in a social media post, clarified that the meeting was part of preparations for the 2027 assembly elections.“In view of the preparations for the 2027 assembly elections, Punjab Congress campaign committee chairman Charanjit Singh Channi and core committee chairman Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa held an important meeting with their team and senior party leaders. During this meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding election strategy, further strengthening the organisation, and upcoming programmes,” the party said.‘Please do not exaggerate the Morinda meeting’Reacting to the photo shared by Randhawa, Warring refuted speculation about the rift within Congress and said that “the meeting was not against anyone.”“Channi saab (referring to Charanjit Singh Channi) has only shared his photograph and stated that the meeting held in Morinda was continued. That meeting was not against anyone. As I have already explained, the Morinda meeting was held at the residence of our senior leader, respected Charanjit Singh Channi, who has been appointed chairman of the campaign committee,” Warring said.“Many leaders went there to welcome and meet him. Those who did not attend may do so in the coming days. Please do not exaggerate the Morinda meeting. It was held to strengthen the Congress party, and today’s meeting is also for the same purpose. Within the next couple of days, you will see all Congress leaders together on one platform,” he added.The development comes days after Warring dismissed speculation about a rebellion within the party. He maintained that the Congress remained united and said he was not in the race for the chief minister’s post.He also asserted that the entire state Congress leadership would soon be seen together on one platform.“The Congress is united. Our rivals can dream on, but nothing is going to happen. Channi, Warring and all others will be seen together, fighting the battle for Punjab,” he said.“Channi is a respected senior leader, our brother and the campaign committee chairman. The colour of rebellion was given by rival political parties, which portrayed it as a challenge to the Congress high command,” he added.Asked about the party’s chief ministerial face for the 2027 elections, Warring said the decision rested entirely with the Congress high command.“I am in only one race and that is to bring the Congress to power (in Punjab),” he said.Last week, the Congress high command announced a major organisational reshuffle in Punjab, retaining Warring as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president while appointing Channi as chairman of the Campaign Committee, a move widely seen as an attempt to balance competing factions within the state unit.According to a statement issued by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge approved the appointments with immediate effect. Under the new structure, Channi will head the campaign committee, Vijay Inder Singla will chair the election management and coordination committee, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa will lead the core committee, and Amar Singh will head the manifesto committee.Later, Channi called a crucial meeting at his residence in Morinda, where several leaders, including stalwarts such as Bharat Bhushan Ashu, were in attendance and voiced support for his leadership. The leaders urged the party high command to reconsider the recently announced organisational appointments in Punjab, asserting that the Congress would return to power under Channi’s leadership.The Congress also confirmed that Warring will continue as the Punjab Congress president, while Partap Singh Bajwa will remain the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party in the state.Referring to the gathering at Channi’s residence, Warring rejected suggestions of a revolt and said, “There is no rebellion. They had gone to the residence of our former chief minister and the chairperson of our campaign committee. Some people went to meet him, some went to congratulate him and no one has stopped anyone from going or coming. So how is this a rebellion? It would have been a rebellion had Channi or Warring said something.”
![Congress targets PM Modi after passport rank slips to 125th NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticised PM Modi’s government over India’s recent passport rankings, alleging that its policies had hurt the country’s global reputation. He also questioned the recent increase in passport fees, saying citizens were paying more despite what he described as poor services.In a post on X, Kharge referred to Prime Minister Modi’s 2018 remarks about the strength of the Indian passport and said the current rankings did not support those claims.”Modi Govt’s policies are responsible for hurting India’s global reputation,” Kharge wrote.”PM Modi claimed in 2018: ‘People travelling and living abroad know the respect and strength of the Indian passport today.’ Where is that ‘strength’ reflected? Facts bely his assertions,” he said.Citing different global passport rankings, Kharge claimed that India’s position had weakened over the years.”In one global passport ranking, India has fallen from 74th in 2013 to 80th in June 2026. [World Economic Forum] Another global passport index places India at a dismal 125th in 2026. [Global Citizen Solutions],” he wrote.Kharge also criticised the government’s decision to increase passport charges, saying fees had gone up without any improvement in services.”Instead of improving services, the Modi Govt has made passports more expensive. Passport fees have been hiked from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while Tatkal charges have gone up to Rs 5,000,” he said.The Congress chief also alleged that foreign tourist arrivals had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels and questioned the government’s tourism and visa policies.”Even with respect to the ease of travelling to India, Foreign Tourist Arrivals are still below pre-COVID levels: They have dropped from 10.93 million (2019) to 9.95 million (2024). Is the Modi Govt masking this failure by clubbing NRI arrivals with foreign tourist data? Why is India’s official visa application portal still so outdated and confusing that it resembles a website from the late 1990s? No one in India, the land of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ wants to welcome the tourists like this?” he wrote.Concluding his post, Kharge questioned the government’s claims about India’s international standing.”If the passport is weaker, tourism has not recovered, visa services are lacklustre and citizens are paying more for substandard services, then where exactly is this much-advertised global respect? Reality bites. India’s reputation suffers. Courtesy: Modi Govt!” he said.Kharge’s remarks came after the Global Passport Index 2026 ranked India 125th, down from 124th last year, with visa-free access to 26 destinations. The ranking placed India behind countries including the Philippines, Morocco, Uzbekistan and China, but ahead of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.His comments also follow the Centre’s decision to revise passport application fees from July 1, 2026. Under the new rates, the fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page ordinary passport has increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while the Tatkal charge has risen from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000. The fee for a 60-page passport has increased to Rs 3,500, with the Tatkal charge revised to Rs 6,000.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123PhotostoriesOne motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth dateInside Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s lavish home: A massive living room, stunning balcony views and moreRanveer Singh birthday special: Revisiting the ‘Dhurandhar’ star’s top-grossing movies of all time“Saving ₹5,000 a month will not change your life”: Why Ranveer Allahbadia’s money advice for people earning under ₹50,000 hits different for womenHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? Doctor shares 5 things you should do the moment you reach home123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralJoSAA Counselling 2026Mumbai school holidayMumbai rainBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1783335554_photo.jpg "Congress targets PM Modi after passport rank slips to 125th NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticised PM Modi’s government over India’s recent passport rankings, alleging that its policies had hurt the country’s global reputation. He also questioned the recent increase in passport fees, saying citizens were paying more despite what he described as poor services.In a post on X, Kharge referred to Prime Minister Modi’s 2018 remarks about the strength of the Indian passport and said the current rankings did not support those claims.”Modi Govt’s policies are responsible for hurting India’s global reputation,” Kharge wrote.”PM Modi claimed in 2018: ‘People travelling and living abroad know the respect and strength of the Indian passport today.’ Where is that ‘strength’ reflected? Facts bely his assertions,” he said.Citing different global passport rankings, Kharge claimed that India’s position had weakened over the years.”In one global passport ranking, India has fallen from 74th in 2013 to 80th in June 2026. [World Economic Forum] Another global passport index places India at a dismal 125th in 2026. [Global Citizen Solutions],” he wrote.Kharge also criticised the government’s decision to increase passport charges, saying fees had gone up without any improvement in services.”Instead of improving services, the Modi Govt has made passports more expensive. Passport fees have been hiked from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while Tatkal charges have gone up to Rs 5,000,” he said.The Congress chief also alleged that foreign tourist arrivals had not recovered to pre-pandemic levels and questioned the government’s tourism and visa policies.”Even with respect to the ease of travelling to India, Foreign Tourist Arrivals are still below pre-COVID levels: They have dropped from 10.93 million (2019) to 9.95 million (2024). Is the Modi Govt masking this failure by clubbing NRI arrivals with foreign tourist data? Why is India’s official visa application portal still so outdated and confusing that it resembles a website from the late 1990s? No one in India, the land of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ wants to welcome the tourists like this?” he wrote.Concluding his post, Kharge questioned the government’s claims about India’s international standing.”If the passport is weaker, tourism has not recovered, visa services are lacklustre and citizens are paying more for substandard services, then where exactly is this much-advertised global respect? Reality bites. India’s reputation suffers. Courtesy: Modi Govt!” he said.Kharge’s remarks came after the Global Passport Index 2026 ranked India 125th, down from 124th last year, with visa-free access to 26 destinations. The ranking placed India behind countries including the Philippines, Morocco, Uzbekistan and China, but ahead of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.His comments also follow the Centre’s decision to revise passport application fees from July 1, 2026. Under the new rates, the fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page ordinary passport has increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500, while the Tatkal charge has risen from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000. The fee for a 60-page passport has increased to Rs 3,500, with the Tatkal charge revised to Rs 6,000.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArmed Forces Seek Higher Retention Of Agniveers As First Batch Nears Completion Of Four-Year TenureNetanyahu Hails India’s ‘Tremendous Support’, Rejects JD Vance’s ‘Only Ally’ Claim for IsraelAkal Takht Gives Punjab Govt 10-Day Deadline, Alleges Anti-Sikh IT Campaign; AAP Denies ChargesVHP Seeks Probe Into Priyanka Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal And Others Over Ayodhya Donation AllegationsISRO Successfully Tests New Motor For Gaganyaan SOLVE RocketMadhya Pradesh First To Include Hindu Members In Waqf Board Under New Law’Super Emergency’: TMC Claims Police Barricaded Mamata Banerjee’s House Before Baruipur VisitBadrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Forms 4-Member Panel To Probe Donation Irregularity ClaimsMumbai Monsoon Horror: 63-Year-Old Dies After Tree Falls On ShopCentre Denies Reports That Bhutan Rejected India’s E20 Petrol Proposal123PhotostoriesOne motivational quote that can bring positive change; according to your birth dateInside Bharti Singh and Harsh Limbachiyaa’s lavish home: A massive living room, stunning balcony views and moreRanveer Singh birthday special: Revisiting the ‘Dhurandhar’ star’s top-grossing movies of all time“Saving ₹5,000 a month will not change your life”: Why Ranveer Allahbadia’s money advice for people earning under ₹50,000 hits different for womenHow much money do you really need to retire comfortably in US, UK, Australia and IndiaNutritionist shares 1-month health reset diet plan that she made for her husband: And it seems so easy to follow!World Chocolate Day 2026: 6 most expensive chocolates in the world and why they cost so muchHow to maintain goldfish in aqaurium and bowls: A beginner’s step-by-step guide to keeping goldfish in healthy condition for several yearsBiotin alternatives for hair growth: 5 natural foods that may help strengthen hair from the rootMumbai rain update: Walking through floodwater? Doctor shares 5 things you should do the moment you reach home123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralJoSAA Counselling 2026Mumbai school holidayMumbai rainBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment")
