Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa, who has been critical of Amrinder Singh Raja Warring continuing as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief, will attend a meeting of disgruntled leaders with AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab affairs Bhupesh Baghel on July 11. Bajwa had previously stayed away from meetings hosted by Warring and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi camps.
Bajwa Confirms Attendance, Warring Opts Out
Confirming his participation, Bajwa stated, “I have been urging all party leaders to raise their issues on the party platform before Baghel as he represents the high command.” The meeting is being held on the condition that Warring will not be part of the deliberations. Warring told reporters, “Bhupesh ji told me that he will meet Channi saheb alone. Everything will be smooth in the coming days... I don’t think I will go as the meeting may involve discussions against me... It will be better if they hold the meeting without me.”
Meeting Details and Restrictions
The meeting is scheduled at the Chandigarh residence of Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh. Over 78 party leaders who contested the last Assembly elections were expected to participate, but Baghel has restricted the strength to around 50, and only five or six leaders will be allowed to speak, according to party insiders. This move is seen as an effort to prevent the meeting from becoming a show of strength against Warring. A senior leader noted, “If 78 or more leaders were present and allowed to speak, it could have translated into a clear mandate against Warring.”
Channi's Message and Unity Call
Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, in a message on X, said, “United for Punjab. We have been invited by Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel ji on July 11 to place before him the sentiments of our workers and the people of Punjab.” The meeting is expected to pave the way for further discussions with the party’s top leadership, including Rahul Gandhi.
