The North News
Chandigarh, June 28
Punjab Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who recently resigned as the working president of the state unit following his defeat in the Ludhiana West bypoll, has launched a veiled attack on party leaders. In a social media statement, Ashu did not directly name anyone but his remarks are widely believed to be directed at Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. “Politics demands accountability—but also honesty,” Ashu wrote. “We are taught to own both success and failure with equal grace.”
He described his resignation, which has now been accepted by the party high command, as an “act of responsibility, not an admission of guilt.”
Ashu said the Ludhiana West bypoll result was “disappointing”, but he rejected attempts to pin the loss solely on him. “Reducing it to the actions of a few individuals is politically inaccurate and internally damaging,” he said.
Dismissing any allegations of factionalism, Ashu stated, “I neither ran a parallel campaign nor indulged in groupism. Those who worked closely with me know the sincerity of my effort.” He did, however, admit to a “breakdown in coordination” and took partial responsibility for the same.
He urged party colleagues to use the loss as a moment of reflection. “Why did the voter disengage? Why were proxies used to unsettle the campaign? Why did some treat this election as a platform to settle personal scores?” he questioned.
Ashu also highlighted his loyalty over two decades with the Congress party, even during legal and political challenges. “I paid the price for standing by the Congress when others benefitted—and I did it with my head held high,” he said.
Concluding his statement, Ashu said he continues to stand with the people and called for unity within the party. “Punjab needs a Congress that is united in spirit, clear in direction, and strong in purpose,” he said, adding that the internal fight for truth and justice will go on.
