No leadership change in Punjab Congress: Baghel

Congress general secretary in-charge for Punjab Bhupesh Baghel rejected speculation on Tuesday that the party is mulling a change of leadership in the state and asserted that next year’s Assembly polls would be contested by leaders collectively.

Baghel made the assertion after a meeting with the party’s top brass at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s 10, Rajaji Marg residence here. Besides Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary K C Venugopal were also present at the meeting.

“A meeting on Punjab was held a few days ago and one was held today as well as the Assembly polls are near. Serious deliberations have been held on the way forward,” Baghel told reporters. Asked about the speculation that a change of guard is being contemplated in the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, Baghel said, “I had said a few days ago, there was no discussion on that. The Congress takes everyone along. We will move forward, taking everyone along.”

“This is only speculation in the media. No discussion was held on leadership.... There is no change,” he added. On Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Baghel said he is the PCC chief and the upcoming election in the state will be fought under the leadership of Kharge and Gandhi.