Channi Camp Delegation Meets Observer Baghel
A delegation of Congress leaders aligned with former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi met party observer Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday to discuss the ongoing tussle over the state party chief's position. The meeting, held at Baghel's residence in New Delhi, comes amid heightened factionalism within the Punjab Congress unit.
The leaders, including former ministers and MLAs, urged Baghel to ensure a fair and transparent process for selecting the new Punjab Congress president. They expressed concerns over what they termed as unilateral decisions favoring one faction.
Background of the Dispute
The row erupted after the party high command initiated the process to appoint a new state chief, with reports suggesting that the incumbent Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation in September 2021 had not been formally accepted. Sidhu had stepped down after the party's defeat in the 2022 assembly elections, but the post has remained vacant since then.
Channi's camp has been pushing for a leader from the Scheduled Caste community, arguing that the party's social justice plank requires representation. Channi, himself a Dalit, was made CM in 2021 as a balancing act.
Meeting Details and Demands
The delegation, led by former minister Rana Gurjit Singh, submitted a memorandum to Baghel outlining their demands. They stressed that the new chief should be chosen through consultation with all district-level leaders and block committees, not imposed from above.
"We have full faith in the party high command and observer Baghel ji. We only want a democratic process that reflects the will of party workers," Rana Gurjit Singh told reporters after the meeting.
Baghel, who is also the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, assured the delegation that their concerns would be conveyed to the central leadership. He is expected to submit a report to party chief Sonia Gandhi soon.
Opposition from Sidhu Camp
Meanwhile, supporters of Navjot Singh Sidhu have also been lobbying for his reinstatement or a candidate of their choice. Sidhu, who enjoys support among urban and youth sections, has been critical of the Channi faction's style of functioning.
The internal rift has been a major concern for the Congress, which is already facing a strong challenge from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab.
Impact on Party Unity
Political analysts say the prolonged leadership crisis could hurt the Congress's prospects in the upcoming by-elections and the 2024 general elections. The party has been struggling to regain its footing after losing power in the state.
Congress sources indicate that the high command is keen on resolving the issue at the earliest, possibly by appointing a consensus candidate acceptable to both factions. However, no deadline has been set.
