Aam Aadmi Party's Bhagwant Mann Faces Challenge from Congress Leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring

Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the Punjab Congress president, has announced his intention to contest against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in the upcoming assembly elections. Warring dismissed suggestions to run against SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, emphasizing his focus on challenging Mann. He criticized the current government for its handling of law and order, claiming that Punjab is facing severe issues with gang culture and drug problems. This declaration comes amid internal party disputes regarding Warring's leadership role. As the political landscape heats up, Warring's challenge could significantly impact the upcoming elections.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 6, 2026, 09:58 IST

Warring Expresses Intent to Contest Against Mann

Chandigarh, August 6 - Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the president of the Punjab Congress unit, has expressed his desire to run against the current Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for early next year. During a Congress event in Faridkot on Wednesday, Warring dismissed suggestions from a party member that he should contest against Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, stating that the Akali leader is not very active anymore.

Warring, who serves as a Member of Parliament from Ludhiana, mentioned that the decision regarding who will contest from where will be made by the party leadership. However, he made it clear that if called upon to enter the electoral fray, he would prefer to challenge the Chief Minister. He stated, “I will contest against Mann...”

Previously, Warring represented the Gidderbaha assembly seat in Muktsar district. Currently, Mann is the MLA from the Dhuri assembly seat in Sangrur district.

This statement from Warring comes at a time when a faction of party leaders, led by former Chief Minister and current MP from Jalandhar, Charanjit Singh Channi, is opposing the leadership's decision to retain him as the president of the Punjab Congress unit, demanding his removal. On Wednesday, at another event in Moga titled ‘Every Booth, Congress Strong’, Warring urged the public to oust the Mann government, claiming that Mann has proven to be the worst Chief Minister Punjab has ever had.

Warring highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, stating, ‘Gangster culture and lawlessness are at their peak, and the drug problem has reached alarming levels.’