M A I N   N E W S

Rahul for change in Punjab Cong
Jangveer Singh
Tribune News Service

Winds of change Mixed day for PCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh as voices of dissent emerge Feedback to form basis for a formal report to initiate change in state unit Visit aimed at boosting morale of party workers

Amritsar, October 10
The Punjab Congress is in for a change. Whether Pradesh Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh stays or goes, there will be a decisive change in the manner in which the state Congress is run.

This message was sent loud and clear by Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi to grass-roots workers as well as senior leaders during his two public meetings here.

It was evident that Rahul Gandhi had planned his Punjab visit to boost the morale of the party workers amidst reports being received by the party high command that demoralisation had set in among the party rank and file after the Assembly election debacle.

Putting up a neutral face, the Congress general secretary reached out to block presidents on his own to send out a message that the party would make them an integral part of the decision-making process.

He also invited those present, including former and present party MLAs and MPs, block and district presidents and youth leaders, to send in their feedback to him. This feedback will form the basis for a formal report which will herald a change in the state unit.

It was a mixed day for Pradesh Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh. While some speakers contended that he was the best choice for Punjab and that even the 47 seats won by the party in the last elections were because of his charisma, there were voices that told a completely different story.

They regretted that block presidents had no say in ticket allocation, weightage was given to a handful of prominent families during ticket distribution and the presence of a coterie around the PCC president did not act in the best interest of party workers. Rahul indicated that he partly subscribed to some of these points and said he would keep visiting the state till appropriate “corrections” were made.

Amarinder’s supporters claimed he had a satisfactory day. Barnala legislator Kewal Dhillon and senior leader Fatehjang Bajwa said a number of people had given the feedback that Amarinder was the only leader capable of taking on the Badal family, indicating his widespread support base.

On the nature of feedback indicating that the issue of leadership remained open, they said it seemed introspection was still on in the party high command on the subject.

On the other hand, Amarinder’s rival Partap Singh Bajwa’s camp maintained that a detailed feedback was being taken and that it would only help their leader.

Some Amarinder loyalists also made it a point to call on Bajwa after the function, indicating the power struggle was still on. Sources said fireworks were also likely at the PCC office in Chandigarh, where Rahul is scheduled to meet former Pradesh Congress presidents tomorrow.

Most former presidents are inimical to the PCC chief and it is to be seen what feedback they give to the party general secretary.