Congress High Command Issues Stern Warning to Punjab Leaders Over Public Infighting
The Congress party on Thursday delivered a strong message to its Punjab unit leaders, directing them to immediately cease airing internal differences in public forums and refrain from activities that could fuel factionalism within the state organization. This directive came during a crucial three-hour meeting convened by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at his New Delhi residence, which was also attended by former party chief Rahul Gandhi.
Focus on Electoral Victory Over Internal Discord
The party leadership emphasized that all energies must be channeled toward ensuring the Congress returns to power in the upcoming 2027 Punjab assembly elections. With the state currently governed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Congress high command made it clear that internal unity is paramount for electoral success. Leaders were specifically instructed to stop making public statements against one another and were assured that there would be no immediate changes to the state leadership structure.
AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal provided details about the meeting, stating that both Kharge and Gandhi thoroughly reviewed the political situation in Punjab and listened to the perspectives of various state leaders. He described the discussions as "very fruitful" and said the party has issued clear directives regarding public conduct.
Strict Guidelines on Internal Party Matters
"The party has directed all leaders to refrain from making public statements on internal matters," Venugopal told reporters after the meeting. "Everyone may have their own views, but these should be raised only within party forums. Going to the media or spreading such issues on social media will not be tolerated."
Venugopal emphasized that the leadership had given "very clear direction" during the meeting and that all attending leaders had unanimously agreed to comply with these guidelines. When questioned about speculation regarding potential leadership changes in Punjab, he firmly stated there was "no question of it at present."
Commitment to Inclusive Representation
Addressing concerns raised by some leaders regarding representation of marginalized communities, Venugopal reaffirmed the Congress party's commitment to ensuring adequate representation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and economically weaker sections in Punjab. However, he stressed that such issues must be discussed through proper internal channels rather than being aired publicly.
"We have told the state leadership not to make statements in public," Venugopal stated. "From tomorrow onwards, you will see the Congress united. We will fight the elections together and win Punjab."
Individual Requests Allowed, Group Activities Discouraged
Regarding reports that some leaders had written jointly to Rahul Gandhi seeking separate discussions, Venugopal clarified that while individual requests are acceptable, "group activities" would not be tolerated within the party framework. "If anyone wants to meet Rahul ji, they can write individually," he explained, adding that both Kharge and Gandhi are planning to visit Punjab soon for further engagement with local leaders and workers.
The high command also informed state leaders that decisions regarding candidate selection and campaign strategy for the 2027 elections would be made in due course through proper party mechanisms. This meeting represents a significant effort by the Congress leadership to consolidate its position in Punjab ahead of the crucial assembly polls, where it aims to displace the ruling AAP government and reclaim power in the state.
