Senior Punjab Congress leaders met on Thursday and sought to present a united front amid speculation over internal differences. They said the party would continue to speak out against what they described as any attack on democracy, while acknowledging that differences of opinion do exist.
Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, along with senior leaders Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Pargat Singh, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Gurkirat Singh Kotli, Barindermeet Singh Pahra and Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh, attended the meeting.
After the meeting, Randhawa said the gathering reflected the party's unity despite internal discussions. "Today, Pargat Singh has sent a clear message that there may be differences in opinion, but the Congress stands united," Randhawa told mediapersons.
Pargat Singh said the party high command has been informed about the situation and efforts are being made to resolve the issues. "The high command is aware of everything. We are holding discussions to sort out the matter," he said.
Rana Gurjeet Singh said the meeting had lifted his spirits and that the leaders discussed the party's future strategy. He said the Congress would not remain silent if democratic values were undermined. According to him, the leaders held detailed discussions on how the party should respond in the coming days.
Rana said the meeting was attended by Channi, Randhawa, Pargat Singh, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Gurkirat Kotli and Barindermeet Singh Pahra. He added that the leaders assured him the party would strongly oppose any move that weakens democracy. He also said several options were discussed, including approaching the court or organising a major public programme to raise the issue.
Commenting on the reported differences within the state unit, Rana Gurjeet Singh said there was no deadlock in the party. He said he had spoken to AICC secretary Suraj Thakur, though not to senior leader Bhupesh Baghel.
"I have not spoken to Baghel, but I have spoken to Suraj Thakur. There is no deadlock. Everything is fine, and whatever the high command decides will be accepted," he said.
Earlier this week, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel said he would meet Channi and Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa after both leaders skipped an important party meeting.
Amid speculation over a leadership tussle in the Punjab Congress, Baghel maintained that senior leaders had welcomed the new organisational team announced by the party high command.
The leadership changes have triggered discussions within the state unit as the Congress steps up preparations for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. On Wednesday, Baghel reiterated that decisions taken by the party high command are final and cannot be revisited repeatedly. He defended the reappointment of Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as Punjab Congress president and dismissed reports of serious differences within the state unit.
Meanwhile, Channi, accompanied by some of his supporters, is reportedly in Delhi to convey his concerns over the recent organisational reshuffle to the party leadership.
Earlier on Thursday, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said Channi remained committed to the Congress. He also dismissed reports of infighting and said he was willing to make any sacrifice for the party.
The statements from Congress leaders come amid continuing speculation over internal differences following the recent organisational appointments in the Punjab Congress.
Also read: Punjab Congress rift: Channi, Warring camps await Rahul's return
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