New Delhi witnessed a decisive move by the Congress high command on Monday, as senior leaders convened at party president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence to address brewing tensions within the Punjab unit. The meeting, attended by key figures including Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, Punjab in-charge General Secretary Bhupesh Baghel, and veteran leader Ambika Soni, sent a strong message: indiscipline and public airing of internal grievances will not be tolerated.
Punjab Congress leaders such as PCC President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Rajasthan in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and others joined the discussions. The three-hour deliberation focused on strengthening party unity ahead of crucial electoral battles.
Speaking to reporters post-meeting, Venugopal emphasized that leaders have been instructed to maintain strict discipline and refrain from commenting on internal matters through media or social platforms. ‘All issues must be raised exclusively within party forums,’ he asserted. He firmly dismissed rumors of leadership changes in Punjab, stating there is no question of such a shift.
Addressing reports of around 30 Punjab leaders seeking time with the high command, Venugopal clarified that individual meetings are welcome but factionalism will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He announced upcoming visits by Kharge and Gandhi to Punjab, providing opportunities for leaders to interact.
On representation for marginalized communities, Venugopal reaffirmed the party’s commitment to ensuring fair inclusion of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, and economically weaker sections from general categories across the nation. ‘Congress is one united family. We stand together and will fight the Punjab elections unitedly to secure victory with public support,’ he declared.
Bhupesh Baghel echoed these sentiments, highlighting strong public sentiment in favor of a Congress government in Punjab. He stressed that the party will contest under collective leadership with Kharge and Gandhi as prominent faces, leaving no room for indiscipline or group rivalries.