Congress to discuss Punjab factionalism in key meet tomorrow

A crucial meeting of top Congress leaders has been planned this Tuesday, October 26, to address upcoming elections. The key meet comes just days after the Congress Working Committee adopted an ambitious programme to train party members and leaders in its ideology, among other things.

The party has called all general secretaries and state in-charges for the meeting at AICC headquarters at 10:30 am tomorrow. According to sources, party president Sonia Gandhi will chair the meeting.

The main issue on the agenda will be state elections in 2022, with the Congress facing an uphill battle in Punjab, where factionalism is visible and deepening within the party.

The grand old party is worried about a verbal spat between former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and other party leaders. Where several leaders have quietly expressed their concerns about Punjab troubles, Congress MP Manish Tewari voiced his displeasure publicly today through tweets, objecting to the use of "offensive language."

Also Read: Congress downfall has begun in Punjab, who’s to be blamed? Captain Amarinder or Navjot Sidhu

Elections in Goa, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Manipur are due for early 2022, and important campaign strategy and messaging are among the agendas to be discussed.

Meanwhile, following many public criticisms of Congress by its group of 23 leaders (G-23), the party has sought a commitment from leaders and workers who desire to primary membership to never criticise the party's policies and programmes in public forums, said sources.

"I subscribe to and work for promoting the principles of secularism, socialism and democracy. I shall not, directly or indirectly, openly or otherwise, adversely criticise the accepted policies and programmes of the party, except through party forums," reads the newly formed membership form.