Punjab Congress – Baghel Rules Out Any Change in State Party Leadership
Punjab Congress – The Congress has ruled out any reconsideration of its leadership arrangement in Punjab, with party general secretary and state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel saying the decision to continue with Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as the Punjab Congress chief is final.
High Command Decision Remains Unchanged
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Baghel said decisions approved by the party’s central leadership are not repeatedly reviewed. He rejected speculation that the Punjab Congress president could be replaced ahead of the Assembly elections expected early next year.
Baghel said the party could not function if organisational decisions were altered again and again. His statement comes as discussions within the state unit continue over the leadership structure announced by the Congress earlier this month.
Warring Retained as Punjab Congress President
On July 1, the Congress confirmed that Warring would remain president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. At the same time, former Punjab chief minister and Jalandhar MP Charanjit Singh Channi was appointed chairman of the party’s campaign committee.
The appointments were seen as part of the Congress effort to distribute responsibilities among senior leaders before the state election. Warring will continue to oversee the party organisation, while Channi will lead campaign-related planning and coordination.
However, reports of unease emerged after the announcement, with some leaders believed to have supported Channi for the position of state party president.
Senior Leaders Meet in Mohali
Earlier this week, several senior Congress leaders gathered in Mohali in the presence of Channi. The meeting came after a number of sitting and former MLAs publicly expressed support for him as a possible choice to lead the Punjab unit.
The development added to speculation about differences within the party, although the Congress leadership has maintained that the organisational decisions have already been settled.
Baghel said he had spoken with Channi and would meet him shortly. He also said senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa would meet him during his visit to the state.
Five-Day Punjab Visit Focuses on Election Planning
Baghel reached Punjab on Monday for a five-day visit as the Congress begins strengthening its organisation for the upcoming Assembly polls. His meetings with party leaders are expected to focus on campaign preparation, coordination among senior members and improving the party’s ground-level outreach.
The Punjab Congress faces the task of presenting a united front before the election, especially after internal discussions over key organisational positions. The party leadership is likely to use Baghel’s visit to address concerns among leaders and set out responsibilities for the campaign period.
With the Assembly election approaching, the Congress is expected to increase its political activity across Punjab. The party has indicated that Warring will continue to head the state unit, while Channi’s campaign committee role will remain central to its election strategy.