Settle rifts: Cong warns partymen

AICC general secretary Nawal Kishore Sharma today said the party high command would not recognise ‘‘factional rallies’’ that are held without the permission of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) in Haryana. ‘‘Any party leader in Haryana who wishes to organise a rally will have to take prior permission of the PCC chief,’’ Sharma told reporters here.

If the HPCC did not grant permission, Sharma said he or the high command could be approached. Observers see this as the first move by AICC to bring about unity between Haryana Congress factions led by HPCC chief Bhajan Lal and CLP leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The party’s also released the Shimla Declaration at its general body meeting today.

In the recent past, the Hooda faction had held a number of ‘parallel’ rallies without Bhajan Lal’s permission. Sharma advised against rallies for promoting certain leaders.

In his subtle message, Sharma put it across that indiscipline would not be tolerated. ‘‘I have told both the leaders (Bhajan Lal and Hooda) to work unitedly. But if this does not work, there are enough provisions in the party’s constitution to take action,’’ he said.