Congress High Command Issues Stern Warning to Punjab Leaders Over Internal Rifts
In a decisive move to curb growing factionalism within the Punjab Congress, the party's high command on Thursday issued a stern warning against leaders indulging in groupism and indiscipline. The leadership emphasized that such conduct is severely damaging the organisation and undermining its electoral prospects in the state.
No Change in Leadership, Strict Instructions Against Public Statements
The high command, however, made it clear that there is absolutely no question of any change in the party leadership in Punjab. It issued strict instructions prohibiting leaders from airing their views in public, directing that all concerns and grievances should be raised exclusively before the high command through proper channels.
This warning was delivered during a crucial meeting of the party's Political Affairs Committee (PAC) held in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by prominent figures including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, and senior leader Ambika Soni.
Punjab Delegation and Internal Controversies
From the Punjab unit, the meeting was attended by a significant delegation including Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, State Assembly Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Congress General Secretary Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, along with other leaders like Rana KP Singh, Vijay Inder Singla, and Dr Amar Singh.
The state unit has recently been embroiled in controversy following remarks by Charanjit Singh Channi, who sought greater representation for Dalits within the party's organisational structure. This sparked a fresh internal tussle and debate, often framed as "Dalits versus upper-caste" dynamics. Warring was notably critical of Channi and took public potshots at him, exacerbating the tensions.
Leadership Expresses Displeasure Over Unwarranted Controversy
During the PAC meeting, the senior leadership expressed strong displeasure over what it termed an "unwarranted" controversy. Leaders were cautioned specifically: Channi was advised against making such public statements, while Warring was warned against making statements in the public domain. The leadership stressed that such activities are detrimental to the party's unity and electoral chances.
Furthermore, the leadership took exception to the practice of leaders writing to the high command collectively to seek appointments. Recently, around 35 Congress leaders had written to the central leadership, requesting a meeting to discuss issues pertaining to the state unit.
Venugopal and Baghel Reinforce the Message
Interacting with the media after the meeting, KC Venugopal expressed displeasure, stating that while there is nothing wrong in seeking time from the leadership, group letters would not be tolerated. "Seeking an appointment is not an issue, but 30-40 leaders coming together to sign a letter as a group is unacceptable," he clarified.
Venugopal also announced that Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge would be holding programmes in Punjab, and any leader could meet them individually to raise issues. However, he firmly stated that groupism would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Responding to queries on Dalit representation, Venugopal affirmed that the Congress is committed to providing due representation to all marginalised sections of society, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and economically weaker sections from general categories, across the country.
Echoing similar sentiments, Bhupesh Baghel emphasized that leaders are free to meet the high command individually, but groupism and indiscipline would not be allowed. He revealed that strict instructions were issued by the senior leadership to maintain discipline at all levels.
Focus on Future Programmes and Public Sentiment
Sharing details of the meeting, Baghel mentioned that Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and KC Venugopal held detailed discussions on the programmes and organisational activities to be undertaken in Punjab in the coming year. Constructive suggestions were given by all leaders during the meeting.
Baghel added that there is a strong public sentiment across Punjab, with people expressing a desire for the Congress to form the government. The leadership is keen on channelising this sentiment positively by ensuring internal unity and disciplined functioning.
The high command's firm stance underscores its commitment to streamlining the Punjab unit, addressing internal discord, and preparing the party for future electoral challenges with a cohesive and disciplined approach.
