Senior Congress leaders in Punjab skipped a crucial meeting with All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge Bhupesh Baghel on Tuesday, exposing a deepening rift within the state unit. The absence of key figures signals growing discontent among factions, as Baghel attempted to mend fences and unify the party ahead of upcoming elections.
Disgruntled leaders boycott Baghel’s meeting
According to The Tribune, the disgruntled leaders, who held a separate meeting in Mohali on Monday, stayed away from Tuesday’s gathering at the Punjab Congress office. Of the three working presidents, Sukhwinder Singh Danny and former minister Raj Kumar Verka attended the meeting, while Sangat Singh Gilzian abstained.
Baghel’s efforts to placate rebels
Baghel stepped up efforts to calm the situation. Verka met former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi before attending the meeting, and later met Baghel over breakfast. This suggests an attempt to bridge the gap between the party leadership and the rebel faction.
Bajwa’s middle-path stance
Punjab Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, who has been treading a middle path, commented on the situation. As reported by The Tribune, Bajwa said: “The Congress is a democratic party…” His statement reflects an effort to maintain party unity while acknowledging internal differences.
Our Take: Infighting weakens Congress in Punjab
The absence of senior leaders from Baghel’s meeting is a clear sign that the Punjab Congress is deeply divided. In our view, this infighting is damaging the party’s prospects. When senior leaders skip meetings called by the AICC in-charge, it sends a message of disunity to voters. Baghel’s attempts to mediate are necessary, but the real test will be whether the rebel leaders can be brought back into the fold. Without a unified front, the Congress risks losing ground to its rivals in Punjab.