New Delhi/Chandigarh, July 10
In a significant political move, disgruntled Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) leaders are set to meet Congress Punjab affairs in‑charge Bhupesh Baghel tomorrow. Baghel told journalists the meeting will take place at Channi’s residence. He added that only three Punjab Congress leaders—Charanjit Singh Channi, Sukhjinder Randhawa and Rana Gurjeet Singh—will be attending the meeting.
Notably, the Channi camp had earlier set pre‑conditions, including that PPCC chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring should not be part of the meeting. In addition, the group insisted their supporters be included, a demand Baghel flatly rejected. According to AICC functionaries in New Delhi, tomorrow’s meeting is aimed at ironing out differences within the Punjab Congress, not serving as an event or rally to showcase strength.
Meanwhile, Channi has been categorically told that if he believes he can impose conditions on Rahul Gandhi, he is gravely mistaken. After tomorrow’s meeting, Baghel will prepare a report on the state of affairs in Punjab Congress, which will be handed directly to Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and K.C. Venugopal.
Sources close to Baghel said that while there will be no change in the appointments made by the high command, the Congress, being a democratic party, will certainly give a hearing to Channi, Randhawa and Rana Gurjeet.
Stating that Congress remains supreme and will not buckle under any pressure whatsoever, AICC sources have confirmed that the party will not bow to pressure from a handful of leaders rallying behind Channi. “The list of appointments will not be altered. After Baghel’s meeting with the Channi group, if the latter continues with ‘indiscipline’ by running a campaign against Warring or giving interviews and video bytes to the media in violation of party norms, strict disciplinary action will be initiated,” said a senior Congress leader privy to the developments.
Party insiders added that even if Channi and his associates refuse to accept Rahul Gandhi’s directive, the high command will not hesitate to expel all those who have revolted. In that scenario, Channi will be left with two choices—either remain in the Congress or quit the party.
