No conflict in Punjab Congress, says Raja Warring after Charanjit Channi's show of strength

Raja Warring dismissed talk of a Punjab Congress split after Charanjit Singh Channi met more than 50 leaders. He said differences would be handled within the party and warned against indiscipline.

In Short

• Channi hosted more than 50 party leaders amid unease over organisational decisions
• Warring said leaders meeting at a senior colleague's home was normal
• He denied any senior leader had sought his removal from the post

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Saturday sought to downplay speculation of infighting within the state unit, a day after former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi hosted a meeting of over 50 Congress leaders amid reports of dissatisfaction over the party's organisational decisions.

Breaking his silence on the developments, Warring said the Congress remained united and that all leaders would soon come together to work for the party's return to power in Punjab. He also stressed the importance of maintaining party discipline, warning that action would be taken against anyone violating organisational norms.

Responding to questions about the meeting at Channi's residence, Warring said there was nothing unusual about Congress leaders gathering at the home of a senior party leader.

"All those who gathered are Congress leaders. Channi is a senior leader, a respected figure and the chairman of the campaign committee. There is no problem if Congress leaders meet at his residence. Leaders can discuss issues among themselves, and that does not mean there is any conflict or division within the party," he said.

'NO ONE SPOKE AGAINST ME'

Addressing reports that some leaders had demanded his removal as the Punjab Congress chief, Warring said no senior leader, including Channi, had spoken against him.

"Neither Channi nor any senior Congress leader has spoken against me. Those who made such remarks are not part of the party," he said.

Warring expressed confidence that the party leadership would resolve any differences internally. "Very soon you will see everyone sitting together and fighting for Punjab. Our ultimate goal is to bring the Congress back to power in the state by setting aside our differences," he said.

'NOT IN THE RACE FOR PUNJAB CM'

On speculation surrounding the party's chief ministerial face for the next Assembly elections, Warring said he was not in the race for the post. He maintained that the decision would rest entirely with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the party high command.

"I am not in the race to become Chief Minister. Whoever the party decides upon, I will stand with that person," he said.

Emphasising party discipline, Warring said senior leaders had acted responsibly despite the recent developments. However, he warned that anyone breaching discipline would face action. He also dismissed suggestions that the BJP could capitalise on the situation, asserting that the Congress remained united and would not allow political space for its rival in Punjab.

- Ends