Punjab Congress Likely To Take A U-Turn, Buzz Over New PCC Chief; Channi Missing From List?

Chandigarh: Amidst the ongoing tussle over organisational reshuffle in Punjab Congress, the party leadership may now reconsider some decisions. However, sources say that even if there is a change, the chances of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi getting the responsibility of State President are very less at present. The high command is working on several alternative formulas to quell dissent within the party, while the faction demanding the removal of Amarinder Singh Raja Wading is firm on its stand.

Will Congress's decision change?

The Congress leadership had recently decided to retain Amarinder Singh Raja Vading as the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president and appointed Charanjit Singh Channi as the election campaign committee president. But after this decision many senior leaders of the party expressed disagreement. It is now believed that the high command may make some changes in the organisational structure to keep the disgruntled leaders together, although the top leadership does not seem to be in favour of going back from its original decision.

Why is Channi not the first choice?

According to sources, an opinion is being formed within the party that such a face should be brought forward for the post of state president who can create a balance between the various factions. In such a situation, Charanjit Singh Channi's name is not being considered in the list of major contenders. However, he will remain the big Dalit face of Congress in Punjab politics and his role in the election campaign is likely to be important.

What is Channi group adamant about?

Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and his supporters are continuously demanding that a change in the state leadership be necessary to strengthen the Punjab Congress. Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and other leaders also held several rounds of talks with party in-charge Bhupesh Baghel on this issue, but till now no consensus has been reached. The dissident group says that there is a need to give a new direction to the organisation before the upcoming assembly elections.

What message did Bhupesh Baghel give?

Punjab affairs in-charge Bhupesh Baghel has made it clear that any kind of pressure on the Congress high command will not work. He said that the party's decisions are taken on the basis of collective thinking and communication will continue with all the leaders. Baghel also indicated that there may be differences in the organisation, but efforts will continue to take all the leaders together before the elections.

What could happen next?

There are still a few months left for the Punjab Assembly elections, so the Congress leadership is not in favour of prolonging the discontent in the organisation. It is believed that in the coming days, efforts may be made to satisfy different groups through some new responsibilities or organisational changes. However, at present there is no indication that Charanjit Singh Channi is going to be crowned state president. The party is trying to come into the field unitedly before the elections.