The Congress in Punjab is battling internal dissent as supporters of former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi gathered at his residence in Chamkaur Sahib on Friday after the party high command retained Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as the Punjab Congress chief.
According to sources, the decision was taken to strengthen the party cadre in one of North India's important political states ahead of the Assembly elections.
Friday's gathering was seen as the first sign of an internal rift between the two camps, with one faction celebrating the decision and the other expressing disappointment over the leadership choice.
According to party sources, several party leaders and workers gathered at Channi's residence, saying they had expected a change in the party's leadership.
The resentment was openly expressed during the meeting, with several leaders arguing that Channi’s appointment as the PPCC president would have strengthened the party’s prospects in the Assembly elections.
While Channi himself refrained from making any comments on the development, several leaders of Punjab Congress unit said the party should reconsider its decision.
They believe that Channi remains one of the Congress' strongest mass leaders in the state and that projecting him as the organisational face of the party would certainly help consolidate support across different sections of society.
Among those who visited Channi's residence were former ministers Bharat Bhushan Ashu and O.P. Soni.
While speaking to reporters, the leaders said they had come to meet Channi and would continue to follow his directions regarding the party’s future course.
Meanwhile, Channi is expected to address a media gathering to issue a formal statement on the fresh developments later in the day.
Also read: Congress retains Warring as Punjab chief, Channi gets poll charge
Follow us
