Why Warring's position in Punjab Congress became untenable once Pilot replaced Baghel

A senior Punjab leader said Warring’s position became untenable when the Congress replaced Bhupesh Baghel and brought in Sachin Pilot to get the state unit into shape.

Unlike Baghel, who backed Warring and could not meet Channi, Pilot met both Channi and Warring, along with other senior leaders, to maintain balance in the organisation. “I had a cordial meeting with Channi and he has assured me that he will offer his full support to the party’s efforts for the election,” Pilot had told HT in an interview.

Pilot backs change after consultations with leaders

In his report to the Congress leadership after getting the feedback, Pilot pitched for change in the state leadership, a stand that was in sharp contrast to the report that Baghel presented to the leadership in July this year. At the time, Baghel had virtually ruled out a change of guard.

Asked about the party’s change in stance, Pilot told HT on Thursday, “In politics, it’s never too late to change.”

Former Union minister Vijay Inder Singla, who is from the Bania community, is seen as a front-runner to replace Warring.

“A Hindu face can secure temporary peace in the Punjab unit. Channi would be comfortable after Warring’s exit and Jatt Sikhs (the most influential section of the Sikhs in Punjab) won’t have any trouble,” a Punjab lawmaker said.

Regional considerations add to Singla’s prospects

Singla could help bring about a truce between the warring factions in the run-up to the state polls. “If Singla is appointed as the Punjab unit head, then Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, the latter is close to Channi, are set to get more responsibilities. As the face of the Jatt Sikhs in Punjab, Bajwa and Randhawa have to reach out to the community.”