Bhupesh Baghel dismisses speculation of leadership change in Punjab Congress

Amid reports of disgruntled leaders intensifying their efforts to air grievances against the top state leadership, AICC general secretary and Punjab in‑charge Bhupesh Baghel on Friday dismissed speculations about a change of guard in the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC).

A former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Baghel while addressing the first meeting of the newly-appointed District Congress Committee (DCC) chiefs, said that he was unware of any such development, though it was prerogative of the party high command. The issue surfaced when some of the DCC chiefs, while praising Amrinder Raja Warring, expressed concern over reports that the PPCC chief might be replaced.

The disgruntled leaders have been voicing their concern over the selection of the 27 new DCC chiefs under the party’s Sangthan of the PPCC body.

Apart from the Warring, CLP leader Partap Singh Bajwa and General Secretary (Organisation) Capt Sandeep Sandhu were present in the two-hour long interaction that saw suggestion from the new appointee regarding giving due representation to the Dalit, Hindu and OBC in the state body. Baghel assured the appointees that due representation would be given as the party high command rolls out the complete state party body in the coming months.

The meeting also saw senior leaders stressing on taking for granted that Congress would emerge as a strong alternative but reshape the party’s strategy while keeping in mind the apparent BJP-SAD alliance in the 2027 Assembly polls.

Sources privy to the meeting said while issue of change of guard of the PPCC chief surfaced, Partap Bajwa reportedly said after working hard he was replaced as state party chief at the behest of the “pressure group” which could do the same act again. Baghel was in the meeting when Bajwa made the comments.

Congress to hold rally in Delhi on December 14

The Congress will hold a massive rally in Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on December 14 to protest against vote-chori in the country. This will be preceded by submission of five crore signed forms against vote-chori from across the country to the President of India the same day, said Bhupesh Baghel at a press conference.

On Tarn Taran by-election results, the Congress general secretary said, the performance of the party was being reviewed and all the necessary corrective measures will be taken.