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Bhupesh Baghel made it clear that the central leadership stands resolutely behind Amrinder Raja Warring following his reappointment as the Punjab PCC chief.
The organizational overhaul, implemented on July 1 to prepare the party for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, sparked noticeable unease among a section of senior leaders.
Dismissing intense speculation regarding internal friction and demands for a leadership change within the Punjab Congress, AICC General Secretary In-Charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel firmly said on Wednesday that organizational appointments made by the party High Command are absolute and will not be reversed.
Baghel, the former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, made it clear that the central leadership stands resolutely behind Amrinder Singh Raja Warring following his reappointment as the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief.
“Once the High Command makes a decision, it does not change,” Baghel told reporters after holding organizational strategy sessions. “This isn’t a game of dolls to be altered repeatedly.”
Baghel Assures Party Unity Amid Key Absences
The organizational overhaul, implemented on July 1 to prepare the party for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, sparked noticeable unease among a section of senior leaders. Rumors of a deepening rift gained traction when former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa skipped a key meeting convened by Baghel. Reports indicated that a disgruntled faction had even travelled to New Delhi to register grievances with the high command.
Baghel, however, downplayed the absences, maintaining that both leaders were simply out of town on prior engagements and that no external pressure would dictate party policies.
“I spoke to them on the phone the day before yesterday,” Baghel clarified. “They mentioned that they had been busy with some work for a few days and were out of town, but they would get in touch with me upon their return. Either I might visit their homes for tea or they might come to the PCC office.”
He further emphasized the independence of the party’s central leadership: “No pressure works on the party High Command. I do not believe that decisions are made under pressure—nor should they be. Therefore, the decisions that have already been taken will remain in effect.”
Unanimous Support in Official Forums
According to Baghel, meetings with both the State Congress Committee and the District Congress Committee showed unified backing for the party’s organizational structure.
“Congratulations were extended, and thanks offered to the High Command on the reappointment of Raja Warring as President,” Baghel noted, stating that the focus has now fully shifted to building a robust election roadmap.
‘Ready to Keep Shoes on My Head’: Raja Warring Downplays Rift
Sought for comment on the reported resentment within his ranks, PPCC President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring struck a highly conciliatory tone, expressing his readiness to do whatever it takes to maintain party harmony.
“I have no problem even if I have to keep someone’s shoes on my head,” Warring said, emphasizing his respect for disgruntled colleagues.
Warring strongly rejected claims that the leadership is fractured or that key figures are looking to distance themselves from the party. He confirmed that Channi and Randhawa would soon hold one-on-one discussions with Baghel.
“Channi Sahib is not distancing himself from the party; as I said, he is a key leader of ours,” Warring stated. Pointing out the relative stability of the Congress compared to its political rivals, he added, “Six Rajya Sabha members from the AAP left the party. Not a single person from our side left; not even a single candidate who had contested an election left us.”
Concluding on an optimistic note, Warring said that internal friction is common in a large democratic setup but easily resolved through dialogue. “There may be some minor grievances, but through dialogue and deliberation, things get resolved. You will soon see the entire Congress united.”
About the Author
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
Punjab, India, India
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