Congress general secretary Bhupesh Baghel met leaders aligned with former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi in Chandigarh on Saturday, warning of disciplinary action against those violating party lines. The meeting follows growing dissent over the retention of Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as Punjab Congress chief.
Baghel Reaffirms High Command Authority
Baghel stated that grievances raised by party leaders would be relayed to the Congress high command but insisted its decisions would remain unchanged. “Every leader has the right to express their grievances. However, there will be no change in the decisions taken by the High Command,” he told reporters. He added that the party would act against anyone crossing disciplinary limits.
No Discussion on Replacing Warring
Speculation about replacing Warring was dismissed by Baghel, who confirmed no such talks occurred. He reiterated that leadership decisions, including the future Chief Minister, would be made by the central leadership after government formation. The meeting at Rana Gurjit Singh’s residence included Channi but notably excluded Warring.
Randhawa Calls for Strong Leadership
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, present at the meeting, emphasized the need for “bold” leadership to address issues like law and order and corruption ahead of the next Assembly elections. Without naming individuals, he stated the party does not need “compromised” leaders. Warring later downplayed any rift, asserting that differences would be resolved shortly.
The developments follow the Congress high command’s July 1 decision to retain Warring as state president while appointing Channi as campaign committee chairman. Channi’s reported dissatisfaction and the absence of his supporters from earlier meetings had fueled factional tensions. Saturday’s discussions signal an attempt to project unity amid internal divisions.
