New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) The Congress high command said on Thursday that there was no question of change of party’s leadership in Punjab.

The high command also issued strict instructions against airing any views in the public, which should be raised only with it.

A meeting of senior party leaders was held at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, which was chaired by the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, party’s General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, party’s Punjab General Secretary In-charge Bhupesh Baghel, senior party leader Ambika Soni and others.

From Punjab, the meeting was attended by the Pradesh Congress Committee President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha, Partap Singh Bajwa, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, party’s General Secretary Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Rana KP Singh, Vijay Inder Singla, and Amar Singh.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Venugopal said that the meeting lasted for three hours and each and every leader from Punjab gave his views.

He said it was a fruitful meeting as the Congress leaders expressed their opinions about strengthening the party.

Replying to a query on the leadership issues within the state party unit, Venugopal added there is no question of leadership change in Punjab.

He said that Congress leaders have been asked to observe complete discipline and not to issue statements in media or on social media platforms on the issues, which must only be discussed on the party platforms.

He added that the Congress has given clear directions to party leaders to refrain from such statements.

Replying to another query about 30 Congress leaders from Punjab having sought an appointment with the party’s high command, Venugopal said the party leaders are welcome to meet anyone in the high command in their individual capacity.

However, he made it clear that no groupism will be tolerated at any cost.

To another query on representation to Dalits within the Congress, Venugopal said the party is committed to giving due representation to the marginalised sections of the society including the SCs, STs and also economically weaker sections from the general castes all across the country.

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that the discussions lasted for about three hours.

He added that there was a public sentiment across Punjab that people there want the Congress to form the government.

He also said that it was made strictly clear that no groupism or indiscipline of any sort will be tolerated.

–IANS

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