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Chandigarh, July 9
Senior Punjab Congress leader Rana Gurjit Singh on Thursday sought to calm speculation over infighting in the state unit, insisting that “no one is above the high command” as senior leaders from former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi’s camp prepared to meet the party’s Punjab in-charge, Bhupesh Baghel.
The remarks come as leaders seen as close to Channi appeared to soften their public stance signalling a preference for dialogue with the party leadership over confrontation amid renewed discussion about the Congress’s organisational structure in Punjab.
Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Rana Gurjit said the Congress high command’s authority was paramount when asked why he, Channi and several other senior leaders had yet to meet Baghel during his ongoing visit to the state.
“No one is above the high command,” he said, adding that there was no deadlock within the Punjab Congress. “All is well.”
Rana Gurjit, however, declined to say when he and other leaders would meet Baghel. He also said he had neither spoken to the AICC leader over the phone nor held any meeting with him.
Baghel has been holding a series of meetings with Congress leaders during his five-day visit to Punjab as the party prepares for the 2027 Assembly election.
The latest comments suggest a shift in tone from Channi’s camp, with senior leaders now emphasising unity and internal discussions rather than public disagreement.
MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa said the media had misunderstood the purpose of recent meetings involving senior leaders. According to him, the discussions were focused on strategy for upcoming municipal elections rather than challenging the party leadership.
He said the Congress remained focused on strengthening its organisation, pointing to the party’s recent victories in Dinanagar and Fatehgarh Churian, and added that all senior leaders would jointly present their views before Baghel while respecting the party high command.
MLA Pargat Singh also stressed that differences of opinion were natural in a democratic party but should not be mistaken for rebellion.
“There are differences, not opposition,” he said, adding that the Congress’s political contest was with the BJP and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, not within its own ranks.
Earlier, leaders from Channi’s camp had sought a direct audience with the Congress high command. The focus has now shifted to resolving outstanding issues through discussions with Baghel who has emerged as the key point of contact between the Punjab leadership and the central leadership.
Political observers believe the next few days could prove significant for the Punjab Congress, with meetings between Baghel and senior leaders expected to shape the party’s strategy and determine whether it can close ranks ahead of the electoral battle.
On Thursday, Channi, Randhawa, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Pargat Singh and Gurkirat Singh met at Rana Gurjit’s residence in Chandigarh. Rana Gurjit said the gathering was convened to discuss civic poll-related issues in Kapurthala and dismissed suggestions that it was linked to factional politics.
The meeting came days after several sitting and former MLAs backed Channi for reconsideration as Punjab Congress president. However, the Congress high command earlier this month retained Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as the state unit chief while appointing Channi as chairman of the campaign committee.
Baghel on Wednesday ruled out any immediate change in the party’s leadership, saying decisions taken by the high command would not be repeatedly revisited and describing such speculation as “not child’s play”. He also said he would meet Channi during his visit.
With Baghel continuing consultations with party leaders, attention is now firmly on his expected meeting with Channi and other senior leaders. The outcome is likely to indicate whether the Congress succeeds in easing internal tensions through dialogue as it prepares for the next electoral contest in Punjab.
