Congress appoints Sachin Pilot as Punjab in-charge amid internal dissent

NEW DELHI: Faced with turmoil over the state leadership in Punjab, Congress has heaved a sigh of relief as politicians cutting across factional lines have welcomed Sachin Pilot's appointment as party incharge of the poll-bound state in place of Bhupesh Baghel. Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Channi and Lok Sabha MP Sukhjinder Randhawa, who lead the dissident group gunning for state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, extended their best wishes to Pilot. Warring too has welcomed Pilot's appointment. While Channi expressed his "heartfelt thanks" to the Congress brass for "this important decision", Randhawa wished Pilot the "very best for this important responsibility" and said his experience, leadership and connect with the people will give new strength and momentum to the Congress organisation in the state. The duo's first reaction has assured the leadership that the decision on Pilot is in the right direction, though many believe coming days will decide if they are ready to move on from their demand for Warring's ejection. Sources said there is very little likelihood of a change in the state leadership now.

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Two months ago, Congress was shocked by the outbreak of dissidence in Punjab that goes to polls in February and where the ruling AAP has already launched its campaign for re-election. Congress had announced its election-related committees on July 1, but they have proved a non-starter as the appointments were followed by open groupism that brought the party activities to a halt. Now, Congress is hoping for a new start. The party is planning a statewide yatra in Punjab that will feature Rahul Gandhi, and it may be held towards the end of Sept or early Oct. The schedule will have to take care of the festivals falling in between. Congress hopes removal of Baghel, who had become another target for the dissidents as he strongly opposed their demand to replace Warring, would settle the flux, and allow the party to kickstart its outreach to people.

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