Punjab Congress rift: No immediate relief as Channi-led faction meets Baghel, pushes for Warring’s replacement
After the meeting, Baghel claims no one has any objection to the high command's decision
The much-anticipated meeting of “disgruntled” leaders of the Punjab Congress, led by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, with AICC general secretary Bhupesh Baghel ended without any immediate solution to the ongoing crisis.
After giving a patient hearing to over 92 leaders — who are upset as Amarinder Singh Raja Warring was retained as the PPCC president — Baghel told the gathering that changing the decision was not in his hands but he would convey their concerns and sentiments to the party high command.
Sources said most of the leaders at the meeting expressed support to the demand to replace Warring. They also gave specific details on how Warring had allegedly created divisions among party leaders across the state.
After the meeting, Sukhjinder Randhwa said, “We had a productive dialogue, wherein it was acknowledged that sometimes, the party must reverse certain decisions. Our demand to the leadership present today was clear. We want a Congress government in Punjab, and we want to address issues like poor law-and-order situation and corruption. To achieve this, we need unity within the party, but we also need leaders who speak boldly and decisively. We do not need compromised leaders."
AICC in-charge general secretary for Punjab Bhupesh Baghel said, "Rana (Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet) had called us. He is a senior leader... I spoke to all colleagues and met them. They expressed their views and no one has any objection to the high command's decision. Everyone is with the high command. My colleagues raised some issues and I assured them all that I will take care of everyone's interests. No one should suffer just because they don't have the support of some big leader. If any candidate has the capability to win, they will definitely get the ticket... Colleagues raised some issues, which I will raise with the high command... No one is upset..."
He claimed that there had been no such discussion about replacing Raja Warring as the Punjab Congress president.
However, leaders said a clear message had been given to Baghel against Warring.
