India, Jan. 23 -- Chandigarh

The Congress high command on Thursday issued a stern warning to its Punjab leaders, directing them not to make public statements on internal party matters or promote factionalism, and to work in unity to ensure victory in the 2027 Punjab assembly elections.

The warning came at a three-hour Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence, convened after reports of infighting among Punjab leaders. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and senior party leader Rahul Gandhi was also present. Punjab goes to the polls in early 2027, and the Congress is seeking to reclaim power from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

The warning comes amid deepening rift among the state Congress u...