Factional discord within Punjab Congress faces an iron-fisted shutdown from the party’s central leadership. Monday’s high-level conclave at Mallikarjun Kharge’s Delhi home featured Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Bhupesh Baghel, Ambika Soni, and Punjab leaders like Amarinder Raja Warring, Partap Bajwa, Charanjit Channi, Sukhjinder Randhawa, Vijay Inder Singla, Rana KP Singh, and Dr. Amar Singh.
The marathon three-hour exchange yielded clear mandates for unity and discipline. Venugopal told media that leaders must shun public platforms for internal disputes, confining them to party fora. He nixed Punjab leadership change talks outright.
On requests from nearly 30 Punjab netas for meetings, he welcomed them but warned, ‘No factionalism, come what may.’ Forthcoming Punjab trips by Kharge and Gandhi will facilitate these meets.
Reiterating social justice, Venugopal stressed dedicated representation for marginalized groups including SC/ST/OBC/EWS across India. ‘One Congress, one family—united we win Punjab,’ he motivated. Baghel pointed to surging pro-Congress wave, affirming elections under team leadership with Kharge and Gandhi at the forefront, zero space for indiscipline.
This strategic reset underscores Congress’s resolve to purge internal rifts, positioning for a strong Punjab poll performance.