Ludhiana: Factional tensions within the Punjab Congress again came to the fore on Thursday after slogan-shouting disrupted the party’s “Har Booth Congress Mazboot” programme in Ludhiana, attended by AICC Punjab in-charge Bhupesh Baghel and Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring.Supporters raised slogans in favour of former Congress minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu and former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, while some workers also raised slogans against Baghel. A group of workers arrived wearing T-shirts carrying anti-Baghel messages.The situation escalated briefly as rival groups raised slogans, prompting Warring to appeal for discipline. Some protesters later walked out of the venue.Addressing workers after the disruption, Warring said indiscipline would not be tolerated. At a subsequent press conference, he said a report on the incident would be sent to the party high command seeking action against those who disrupted the official programme.Baghel also condemned the disruption, saying disciplinary action would be taken against those responsible. “Indiscipline will not be tolerated. Those who attempted to disrupt the official party programme will be identified and action will be taken,” he said.He added Congress knew its political opponents, but “sleeper cells” working against the organisation will also be exposed.Box:Cong likely to start campaign from Aug 11Bhupesh Baghel also said that under ‘Harr Booth, Congress Mazboot’ campaign, he has covered 14 districts in the past seven days and the number will be 18 in the next few days. He added that as the assembly elections are expected in Nov this year, they will start campaigning on constituency level from Aug 11.
