Not 'gudda-guddi ka khel': Baghel says high command's decision on Punjab Cong leadership final

Chandigarh, Jul 8 (PTI) Congress general secretary in-charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday ruled out any change in party leadership in the state, saying these decisions are not "gudda-guddi ka khel" (child's play). Speaking to reporters here, Baghel said he will soon meet Jalandhar MP and former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who is said to be "miffed" at not being appointed the state president. On July 1, the Congress announced that Amrinder Singh Raja Warring would continue as the Punjab unit president and appointed Channi as chairperson of the campaign committee. Baghel arrived in Punjab, which goes to polls early next year, on a five-day visit on Monday and has met a number of leaders since then. Channi though has skipped meetings with Baghel. Several senior leaders held a meeting in Mohali in Channi's presence on Monday, days after several incumbent and former MLAs threw their weight behind him to be reconsidered for the state unit chief's post. On Wednesday, Channi interacted with the media at his residence and targeted the Bhagwant Mann government on various issues, though he did not touch the ongoing issues within Punjab Congress. On the other hand, former minister and senior party leader Razia Sultana, who was at the Mohali meeting, attended one of the series of meetings Baghel held. Dismissing speculation about a rethink on Warring's retention as the state party chief, Baghel said, "When the high command has taken a decision, it is not changed. 'Koi gudda-guddi ka khel hai kya ke baar-baar nirnay badla jaega? (Is this a child's play that the decision will be changed repeatedly?)'" Asked if it is clear that there will be no change in the party leadership, Baghel, who was flanked by Warring, said, "The question does not arise." On Channi and Sukhjinder Randhawa, who is considered close to the Jalandhar MP, yet to meet him, Baghel told reporters earlier in the day, "I talked to him (Channi) on Monday. He said he is out of town for two-three days. He will come and meet me. Randhawa will also come and meet me." He said on Tuesday, meetings of Pradesh Congress Committee and district Congress presidents were held. In both meetings, all those present supported the decisions taken. Everyone congratulated Warring on being retained as state unit chief and on the appointment of the three working presidents of the state unit and expressed gratitude to the high command, he said. Baghel said he is also meeting Congress leaders at their homes. On Tuesday, the AICC general secretary had a breakfast meeting with Raj Kumar Verka and went to senior leader Rana K P Singh's house for dinner, which was also attended by Warring and some other leaders. Earlier, Baghel held a meeting with party office bearers and district presidents to discuss the roadmap for the assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, while referring to Channi, Sukhjinder Randhawa, Warring said they are his elders and capable leaders. He said there are no misgivings and added "Channi is already in touch with us. You will soon see us with a hug". During the day, Baghel met MP Amar Singh, senior leaders Randeep Singh Nabha, Sadhu Singh Dharmasot, Sunder Sham Arora, and held discussions on important issues. Later, Baghel and Warring also held meetings with other party leaders and detailed discussions were held regarding further strengthening the organizational structure, making the party's reach more effective up to the booth level, establishing better coordination with workers, and accelerating preparations for "Mission 2027" and the current political situation in Punjab. PTI SUN VSD ZMN