Barring exceptions, Congress normally fights elections under collective leadership: Baghel

Muktsar-Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel today said that barring a few exceptions, the Congress has mostly fought elections under the collective leadership only. He also said that the Congress was on comeback mode and a firm footing in Punjab as was proved from the massive participation in the ‘MNGREGA Bachao Sangram’ rallies and the results of 2024 parliamentary elections in Punjab. Addressing a press conference ahead of the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ rally here today, Baghel while replying to a question on his earlier statement on the matter said that the decision was not due to any other reason.
He said the Congress normally does not announce the Chief Ministerial candidates in advance. He said, once the party wins the elections, the elected legislators decide the leader and the party high command decides accordingly and the final decision is taken by the high command only.
He pointed out, the BJP also does the same thing.
Replying to a question whether this decision had been prompted because of the caste reasons and divisions, Baghel made it categorically clear that the Congress works purely on secular principles. He said, even Punjab has deep secular roots, which are not affected by the caste or communal considerations, hence there is no question of caste or any other factor being the reason for going to the elections under united and collective leadership.
Asked why the Congress had not organized the ‘Maghi Mela’ this year, Baghel said that during the Congress government between 2017 and 22, the Akal Takht had issued an edict forbidding political parties to hold political conferences on the sacred occasion of the Maghi Mela. He said, the Congress has followed the Akal Takht edict only.
However, he added, the Shiromani Akali Dal, which is holding a conference has from time to time used the Akal Takht for its own political ends. On the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, he said, it was misusing the official funds for the party functions, which is a matter of thorough probe.
Speaking on the occasion, the PCC president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said that the party’s programmes during the last five days had witnessed overwhelming response despite the biting cold. He said the Congress will not sit till the MGNREGA is not restored in its original shape.
Among others present on the occasion included Ravinder Dalvi, Sher Singh Gbaya and others.