Amid speculation over internal discord and calls for a leadership change in the Punjab Congress, AICC General Secretary In-Charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday dismissed reports of a power struggle, asserting that the party leadership's decisions are final and will not be reconsidered.
Baghel, the former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, reiterated that the Congress High Command remains firmly committed to Amarinder Singh Raja Warring's continuation as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president following his recent reappointment.
“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."
The leadership reshuffle, announced on July 1 as part of the party's preparations for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, had triggered reports of dissatisfaction among some senior Congress leaders. The speculation intensified after former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa were absent from a key organisational meeting chaired by Baghel. There were also reports that members of a dissatisfied faction had travelled to New Delhi to convey their concerns to the party leadership.
Rejecting suggestions of a widening rift, Baghel said the two leaders had been away because of prior commitments and insisted that the party's decisions would not be influenced by external pressure.
“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."
Baghel said discussions with members of the State Congress Committee and District Congress Committee reflected broad support for the party's organisational changes.
“Congratulations were extended, and thanks offered to the High Command on the reappointment of Raja Warring as President," Baghel noted, adding that the party's attention is now focused on preparing its strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Responding to reports of dissatisfaction within the organisation, PPCC chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring adopted a conciliatory stance, saying he was willing to make every effort to preserve unity in the party.
“I have no problem even if I have to keep someone’s shoes on my head," Warring said, emphasizing his respect for disgruntled colleagues.
He also rejected suggestions that the Congress leadership in Punjab was divided or that senior leaders were distancing themselves from the organisation. Warring said both Channi and Randhawa would soon meet Baghel individually to discuss any concerns.
“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."
Expressing confidence that differences within the party would be resolved, Warring said occasional disagreements were natural in a large democratic organisation and could be addressed through dialogue.
“There may be some minor grievances, but through dialogue and deliberation, things get resolved. You will soon see the entire Congress united."
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