Denying reports of feud within Congress' Punjab unit, senior leader Charanjit Singh Channi said on Thursday that he will continue to stay within the party, and he will never make a move that would embarrass it. His remarks came hours after he met the top Congress brass at the Indira Bhavan in New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting in the national capital, Punjab's former chief minister said he continues to respect the Congress high command and Rahul Gandhi remains his leader. He said he has met party leaders and presented his points, which the top brass has listened.
However, a final decision will be taken by the top brass and it will be respected by everyone, Channi said.
"Rahul Gandhi is our leader; we love him. All our workers and leaders stand firmly with the party and will continue to do so," Channi said. "The final decision always rests with the high command; whatever decision they make, we will accept it and move forward accordingly. We are never against the party, nor have we ever tried to embarrass it. We will abide by whatever decision the party takes. All is well. We are committed to the party; we will follow the party line."
Assembly elections are scheduled for early next year in Punjab, but a rift emerged after supporters of Channi demanded that he be made Congress' state unit chief, replacing Amrinder Singh Raja Warring. Though the party top brass denied a leadership change, the Channi faction continued to press for their demands, fueling speculations of a rift.
However, Channi's Thursday's remarks have denied all such speculations.
Meanwhile, Punjab Congress in-charge Bhupesh Baghel has also submitted a report to the top brass about the party's situation in the state. Based on the report, the party leadership held discussions to find out a formula to pacify the disgruntled faction.
According to sources, the Congress leadership is not interested in a leadership change, as Warring enjoys the support of eight to nine MLAs and four MPs. Additionally, 25 of the party's 29 district presidents are backing Warring, who is a Lok Sabha member from the Ludhiana constituency.
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