Many veteran leaders of Punjab have cherished the dream of becoming the Chief Minister. In such a situation, everyone’s eyes were on the post of President. In the local body elections, the party performed best in the area of former CM Charanjit Channi, who belongs to the Dalit Sikh community, while the party performed poorly in the area of President Raja Vading. But, taking advantage of this opportunity, a large section started demanding change of the president. But when the high command handed over the command to Raja Vading after the bad defeat in 2022 when Channi was the CM, the party made a comeback in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and won 6 out of 13 seats.
On the basis of 8 rounds of such meetings, the report of political strategist Sunil Konugolu and the recommendation of Ajay Maken’s committee, the high command retained the president. Also made Channi the chairman of the campaign committee. And other big leaders were also made chairpersons and members of the committee. The high command adopted a middle path by giving space to all three communities – Jat, Sikh, Dalit, Sikh and Hindu. Anyway, generally when Congress is in opposition, it is the undeclared face of the campaign committee. By doing this the high command felt that it had satisfied everyone. But this is where the rebellious attitude came to the fore. According to sources, Channi, desperate to become the president, showed his attitude by holding a meeting with the leaders and his supporters.
Bhupesh Baghel reached Chandigarh on 5-day tour
To stop this controversy, the high command sent General Secretary in-charge Bhupesh Baghel on a 5-day tour to Chandigarh. Actually, this tour was to decide the schedule of Congress’ visit to Punjab, which Rahul Gandhi was going to flag off. But Baghel, who reached Chandigarh in the changed environment, called a meeting of all the recently formed election committees. But according to sources, the rebel group has decided not to attend the meetings called by Baghel for the time being. Now if this happens on Tuesday, it will be like a bugle against the high command.
Gehlot had shown his attitude in Rajasthan Congress also
Earlier, when Gehlot was the CM in Rajasthan, the legislature party meeting called by observers Mallikarjun Kharge and Ajay Maken could not be held, which was considered a disregard not of these observers but of the then President Sonia Gandhi. Which Gehlot himself said publicly. After that, despite Gehlot’s apology and lakhs of efforts, he did not get any important post. In such a situation, the high command would have tolerated the displeasure of Raja Vading, but if the rebel leaders did not meet his representative in-charge Baghel, then it would be considered as disrespect to the high command.
What do Channi opponents say?
Here, the anti-Channi camp says that the party lost in 2022 when Channi was the CM, there are many allegations of corruption against him. On the other hand, recently Sukhjinder Randhawa has also met Amit Shah. Interestingly, Sukhjinder Randhawa is not only the former Deputy CM and MP but also the General Secretary in-charge of Rajasthan Congress. His involvement in such fighting has become distasteful to the high command. However, even though he is describing his meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah on the issue of internal security of Punjab. In such a situation, is this not a big political game?
Earlier, Channi tweeted a photo with many leaders including former Deputy CM and MP Sukhjinder Randhawa, former minister Pargat Singh, former minister Rana Gurjeet and wrote – unity is strength. Instead of countering this, President Raja Vading tried to give a message of unity by retweeting it.
July 7 is an important day for Punjab Congress
In such a situation, 7th July i.e. Tuesday is a day of great turmoil in Punjab Congress. The high command does not want to open a Pandora’s box in the entire country by bowing to the pressure of the rebels. Meanwhile, if the leaders adopting a rebellious stance do not come to the meeting called by Baghel, then the high command is certain to be in trouble. It can be said that the ruckus of Punjab Congress due to elections has become a thorn in the neck for the high command.
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