Channi Skips Key Delhi Meeting; New In-Charge Sachin Pilot To Visit Punjab Next Week Amid Internal Rift

Jagran Correspondent, Chandigarh: Since the change of the state in-charge of the Punjab Congress, political turmoil within the organisation seems to have intensified as former Punjab Chief Minister and MP Charanjit Singh Channi skipped a key meeting of party MPs, called by the top brass in Delhi on Monday.

Channi's absence from the meeting not only highlights factionalism within the Punjab Congress but also the status of his relationship with the high command.

While Channi remained absent, the meeting was attended by Dr Amar Singh, the party MP from Amarinder Singh's Raja Warring faction.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal had called the meeting of all party MPs. Although Congress has not provided any official reason for his absence, the party held protests at various district headquarters in Punjab over the alleged 'purification' row involving party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and Channi was present at a Jalandhar protest.

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Raja Warring meets Sachin Pilot

However, the speculations are now rife over his absence. Despite the appointment of state in-charge Sachin Pilot, Channi hasn't met him yet. On the other hand, Warring, who is the party's Punjab unit chief, met in-charge Sachin Pilot in New Delhi today.

The two leaders discussed in detail the Punjab Congress and preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. Warring stated that he had a detailed conversation with Pilot and that the new in-charge would soon visit Punjab.

Amid the uproar, the biggest challenge lies ahead for Pilot. The question remains if he could diminish the differences between Channi and Warring well before the elections or not.

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Pilot would be looking to bring the two leaders on the same stage alongside Rahul Gandhi to send a message of unity before the polls as rift and differences within the cadre could hurt the party's aspirations of uprooting the Aam Aadmi Party from power.

Punjab Congress is also keeping an eye on the decisions to be taken by the high command regarding the organisation in the coming days.

(With Inputs From Dr Sumit Singh Sheoran, Chandigarh)