A faction of Punjab Congress leaders led by former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi met party general secretary and state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday, reiterating their demand for changes in the state party leadership. The meeting involved several sitting and former legislators who have been opposing the continuation of Amarinder Singh Raja Warring as the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president.

After the meeting, Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said the party leadership should reconsider certain decisions if required and called for leaders who can take firm positions. He said the group wanted the Congress to return to power in Punjab and believed internal unity, along with strong leadership, was necessary to address issues such as law and order and corruption.

The rival faction, which reportedly includes more than 90 leaders, has alleged that Warring’s leadership style has created divisions within the party. Randhawa claimed that Congress needed leaders who could speak clearly and act decisively, while stating that the party did not require leaders who were compromised. He also said the group had presented specific concerns before the central leadership.

Also Read: Owaisi Meets Telangana Chief Secretary, Raises Demand For Voter PRCs

Responding to the allegations, Bhupesh Baghel said leaders who were compromised by any outside influence would not be acceptable and assured that he would protect the interests of the party. Baghel, who completed a five-day visit to Chandigarh, said he had met several Congress leaders and would communicate their concerns and suggestions to the party high command.

Baghel clarified that there had been no discussion about replacing Raja Warring during his interactions with party members. He also dismissed reports suggesting that Charanjit Singh Channi could be projected as the Congress chief ministerial face for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections, saying the focus was only on strengthening the party and forming the government.

The leadership dispute comes after supporters of Channi had earlier demanded that he be appointed as the state Congress chief in place of Warring. They had given the central leadership a deadline to consider their demand, arguing that the party’s chances of returning to power would be affected under the current leadership. Meanwhile, party leaders involved in the meeting said discussions were constructive and that the concerns raised would be taken forward with the high command.

Also Read: Swiggy’s Food On Train Service Reports Higher Q1 Demand For Refreshments