Congress’ Punjab test amid renewed push to oust warring

New Delhi: The Congress high command has come under renewed push from many senior Punjab Congress leaders for ejecting PCC president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring who has been facing rebellion and non-cooperation from many party colleagues. Given the high-stake election ahead, the AICC is likely to resume discussions on the issue while keeping the standby option of picking a ‘neutral leader’ to replace Warring.

ET had reported on September 4 that the Congress central leadership was facing a tough test in managing the in-house resistance to Warring’s continuity and that an influential section of the AICC has been advocating a compromise formula of appointing a leader from the Hindu community, with some of them pushing for joint treasurer Vijay Inder Singla as PCC chief even as former chief minister CS Channi remains a contender for the post.

“The bitterness between Warring and some state party leaders remains a matter of concern and has to be addressed conclusively,” said a party leader. The AICC brass may call some senior state leaders, including Warring, for discussion.
The timing of the renewed push for Warring’s removal coincides with AICC general secretary in-charge Sachin Pilot‘s visit to the state slated for this week for further discussion on the state election and to finalise the upcoming tour plans of senior party leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to the state.