Congress asks Amarinder, Bajwa ‘not to harm party’

“Issuing statements against each other in the media will harm the interests of the party. I am requesting all the leaders to observe restraint,” Ahmed said.

The party high command had to step in after the war of words between Amarinder and Bajwa escalated.

Earlier this week, the former CM called Bajwa “incompetent” and a “failure”, and reiterated his demand that he be sacked. He also attacked party vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Bajwa, known to be a Rahul appointee, responded by saying that Amarinder was plotting to split the state Congress unit and launch a separate outfit.

Sources said the Congress leadership has decided to appoint Ambika Soni as the new Punjab Congress chief, but the appointment was held up because of Amarinder’s opposition. Sources, however, added that Soni could soon be appointed.

As for Haryana, the tussle between factions led by Hooda, Tanwar and Congress legisltature party leader Kiran Choudhry came out in the open when Hooda supporters heckled and hooted Tanwar at the Kisan Rally in Delhi on
Sunday.

“In the Congress, different groups subscribing to the Congress ideology have from time to time expressed their enthusiasm in their own ways,” said Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.