As speculations over differences within the Punjab Congress continue, Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Saturday said the party needed unity but not "compromised leaders" ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Randhawa made the remarks after a meeting of Punjab Congress leaders with AICC general secretary and Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel in Chandigarh. He described the discussions as positive and said the party should be willing to revisit decisions whenever required.
" We had a productive dialogue, acknowledging that sometimes the party must reverse certain decisions," Randhawa told mediapersons. He said the Congress should focus on returning to power in Punjab by raising issues such as law and order and corruption. At the same time, he stressed the need for unity and decisive leadership.
"Our demand to the leadership present today is clear. We want a Congress government in Punjab, and we want to address issues like the law-and-order situation and corruption. To achieve this, we need unity within the party, but we also need leaders who speak boldly and decisively. We do not need compromised leaders," he said.
Differences within the Punjab Congress have been linked to the party's decision to retain some office-bearers, including Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring.
Former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi declined to comment further on the issue. Referring to the leadership's decision, he said, "It was decided by the leadership."
Several other Congress leaders appreciated Baghel for listening to their concerns and said the party leadership had given them a patient hearing. Congress MLA Rana Gurjit Singh said the meeting reflected the Congress culture of allowing leaders to speak freely. He described Baghel as an experienced leader and said leaders in the party were free to express their views.
Congress MLA Pargat Singh said all concerns were discussed during the meeting. He said Baghel assured the leaders that everyone was part of one team and that internal differences would be resolved. According to him, the final decision now rests with the party's high command.
After the meeting, Baghel said all issues raised by the leaders would be conveyed to the Congress high command. He also rejected suggestions of any resentment within the Punjab unit.
Baghel said he had met all senior leaders and assured them that every concern would be considered. He added that deserving candidates would get opportunities irrespective of whose support they enjoyed within the party.
"I spoke and met with all the colleagues. They shared their views, and no one has any objection to the High Command's decision. Everyone stands with the High Command. My colleagues raised certain points, and I assured them all that I would look after everyone's interests. No one should feel disadvantaged just because they lack the backing of a major leader. If a candidate is capable of winning, they will certainly get the ticket," he added. He also clarified that there was no discussion on ticket distribution during the meeting.
Dismissing speculation over a possible change in the state leadership, Baghel said there was no discussion on replacing Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. "All is well," he said.
Signs of disagreement had surfaced even before the meeting. Earlier in the day, Randhawa had remarked that Raja Warring "should have come on his own" to attend the discussions.
The meeting was part of Baghel's ongoing consultations with senior Congress leaders as the party works to strengthen its organisation in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Also read: Congress high command faces ultimate Punjab test
Follow us
