NEW DELHI-The Congress high command today said that there was no question of change of leadership in Punjab. The high command has also issued strict instructions against airing any views in public, which should be raised only with the high command.
A meeting of senior party leaders was held at the AICC headquarters today, which was chaired by the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, general secretary organization KC Venugopal, general secretary in charge Punjab Bhupesh Bhagel, senior leader Ms Ambkia Soni and others.
From Punjab the meeting was attended by the PCC president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Congress general secretary Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Rana KP Singh, Vijay Inder Singla, and Dr Amar Singh.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Venugopal said that the meeting lasted for three hours and each and every leader from Punjab gave his views. He said it was a fruitful meeting as the leaders expressed their opinions about strengthening the party.
Replying to a question on the leadership issues, he said, there is no question of leadership change in Punjab.
He said, leaders have been asked to observe complete discipline and not to issue statements in media or on social media platforms on the issues, which must only be discussed on the party platforms. He said, party has given clear directions to leaders to refrain from such statements.
Replying to another question about some 30 leaders from Punjab having sought an appointment with the high command, Venugopal said, the leaders are welcome to meet anyone in the high command in their individual capacity. But, he made it categorically clear that no groupism will be tolerated at any cost.
To another question on representation to Dalits, Venugopal said, the party is committed to giving due representation to the marginalized sections of the society including the SCs, STs and also economically weaker sections from the general castes all across the country.
Bhupesh Bhagel said that the discussions lasted for about three hours. He said, there was a public sentiment across Punjab that people there want the Congress to form the government.
He also said that it was made strictly clear that no groupism or indiscipline of any sort will be tolerated.