Former Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu hosted a high-profile dinner for AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab, Bhupesh Baghel, at his brother's residence in Sector 78, Mohali, on Wednesday evening. The closed-door gathering came just hours after Baghel ruled out any change in the party's leadership in the state.
Attendees and Purpose
Besides Baghel, the dinner was attended by former Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana K. P. Singh, a sitting MP, a sitting MLA, four former MLAs, and a PPCC General Secretary. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring arrived last, around 9:50 pm. All senior leaders entered with smiles but declined to disclose the meeting's purpose. Host Balbir Sidhu described it only as a "private meeting."
Warring's Assurance of Unity
Speaking to mediapersons, Warring asserted that the Congress party remained united in Punjab. He stated, "Within the next three to four days, the people of Punjab will witness a new political atmosphere in the state. If any party leader or worker is upset with me, I will resolve all differences, and the party will remain united to contest the upcoming Assembly elections."
Internal Power Struggles
The dinner took place amid widespread perception of an internal power struggle within the state Congress leadership. Senior PPCC leaders had started arriving since the evening but maintained a studied silence over the agenda. Among those present were former Speaker Rana K. P. Singh, Fatehgarh Sahib MP Dr Amar Singh, former MLA Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, Mahinder Singh Rinwa, former MLA Hans Raj Josan, former Zira MLA Kulbir Singh Zira, Phillaur MLA Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary, and PPCC General Secretary Captain Sandeep Sandhu.
Strengthening Warring's Position
Over the past two years, the Sidhu brothers have grown increasingly close to Warring. The PPCC chief has frequently visited Mohali to attend rallies organised by them. On one such occasion, Warring publicly told Congress workers that the Sidhu brothers would lead the party's campaign in Mohali in the next Assembly elections. Political observers believe the dinner diplomacy has strengthened Warring's position within the party, coming just hours after his "gudda-guddi ka khel" remark triggered political discussion.
