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Bhupesh Baghel said party leaders had conveyed their concerns and grievances, which would be communicated to the Congress high command.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of growing unease among leaders aligned with Channi following the Congress leadership’s decision to retain Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as Punjab Congress president. (Photo: X)
Amid simmering tensions within the Punjab Congress over the state unit leadership, Congress general secretary in-charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday met leaders close to former Chief Minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi and warned that disciplinary action would be taken against anyone crossing the party line.
The meeting, attended by Channi, was held at the Chandigarh residence of senior Congress leader and MLA Rana Gurjit Singh. Notably, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring was not present.
Baghel said party leaders had conveyed their concerns and grievances, which would be communicated to the Congress high command.
“Every leader has the right to express their grievances. However, there will be no change in the decisions taken by the High Command,” Baghel told reporters after the meeting.
He also issued a stern warning against public dissent. “The party will take action against anyone who crosses the limits of discipline,” he said.
No Discussion On Replacing Warring
The meeting comes against the backdrop of growing unease among leaders aligned with Channi following the Congress leadership’s decision to retain Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as Punjab Congress president.
Asked whether there was any discussion on replacing Warring, Baghel dismissed the speculation.
“There were no such talks,” he said.
Baghel reiterated that decisions regarding leadership positions would continue to be taken by the party’s central leadership.
“After the formation of the government, the High Command will decide who the Chief Minister will be,” he added.
Randhawa Calls For ‘Bold’ Leadership
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, who attended the meeting, described the discussions as constructive and stressed the need for strong leadership ahead of the next Assembly elections.
Without naming anyone, Randhawa said the party does not need “compromised” leaders.
“We had a productive dialogue. Our demand to the leadership is clear — we want a Congress government in Punjab and we want to address issues such as law and order 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,” he added.
His remarks triggered political speculation about an apparent swipe at sections within the party.
Warring Responds
Responding to Randhawa’s comments, Warring sought to downplay any rift and rejected suggestions that he was the target of the “compromised leader” remark.
“If he hasn’t even taken my name, then why are fingers being pointed at me?” Warring said.
“I stayed with Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa for four-and-a-half to five years. If either of us had been compromised, we would not have remained together for such a long time,” he added.
Warring maintained that differences within the party would be resolved soon.
“There should be no compromised leader in the party. The problem between us will only last for a couple of days,” he said.
Punjab Congress Leadership Tussle
The latest developments come weeks after the Congress high command announced on July 1 that Warring would continue as the Punjab Congress president while appointing Channi as chairman of the party’s campaign committee.
The decision reportedly left Channi dissatisfied, with party sources indicating that he was expecting a larger organisational role.
Channi had skipped several meetings held by Baghel earlier this week, while a number of leaders considered close to him also stayed away, fuelling speculation of factional tensions within the state unit.
Saturday’s meeting is being seen as an attempt by the party leadership to bridge differences and project unity ahead of crucial political battles in Punjab.
With factionalism threatening to overshadow the Congress’s preparations for future elections, Baghel’s message was clear: grievances can be aired within the party, but indiscipline will not be tolerated.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg…Read More
Chandigarh, India, India
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