New Delhi, December 6
Stymied by the election debacle in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, the Congress high command is against changing the leadership in Punjab.
Authoritative sources said the party’s central leadership is of the view that despite lobbies in the PPCC baying for Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh’s head, such a move at this juncture must be avoided as it will complicate matters and amount to playing into the hands of the rival Shiromani Akali Dal.
The Congress high command maintains it is imperative to close ranks and address the problems of dissidence rather than create new power centres in the PPCC.
The central leadership feels that the claims of the Beant Singh group in the PPCC (of enjoying the support of more than half the party’s legislators) is not substantiated.
Congress sources aver that on his part the Chief Minister must take the initiative to address the legitimate grievances of the MPs and legislators in a bid to end bitterness and meet the emerging political challenges.
AICC sources said the high command was working on a comprehensive plan of action for
strengthening the party in the state. The central leadership had talked to MPs from the state for feedback on various issues.
Some party MPs, including Mr Ashwani Kumar, have opposed any change in leadership in the state and have called for steps to prevent bitterness in the prevailing atmosphere.
Mr Ashwani Kumar has cautioned the state leadership against the possible adverse political impact of Mr Parkash Singh Badal’s arrest. He said all steps should be taken to ensure peace was not vitiated in the state.
