Chandigarh, July 10 (). Amid talks of alleged factionalism in Punjab Congress and differences among senior leaders, State Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Wadding has denied any conflict within the party. He clarified that former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is his senior leader and he is constantly learning from him. Besides this, he also expressed his views on relations with senior leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and said that their relations are so old and strong that any misunderstanding can be resolved through dialogue.
Raja Vading rejected the discussion of ‘Channi vs Vading’ in Congress and the ongoing tug of war within the party. He said that Channi Saheb is a great leader. I am still young. He is like my elder brother. Versus is trying to be made, but there really isn’t anything like it. I am learning a lot from Channi Saheb. Not only Channi Saheb, but I am learning from many senior leaders of the party. What is learned through experience cannot be learned in any other way. Therefore, there is no question of any kind of competition or conflict between me and Channi Saheb. I am not even big enough to talk about competition with Channi Saheb.
Raja Vading also took a positive stance on the question of not being included in the meeting. He said that many times during complaints and resentment, such things are said which cannot be taken back later. In such a situation, it would be better if he is not present in the meeting. He said that I think it is a good thing that I will not be in the meeting. When there are grievances, many things are said face to face and once spoken the word cannot be taken back. Whatever things happen, they will be heard first. After that, when the next meeting is held, I will sit with everyone and present my views. If I have really committed any mistake then I will also apologize to the big leaders. Many leaders are like fathers to me, some are like grandfathers. If it is not my fault then I will explain to them that it is not my fault. Many times stories are made without any reason.
On the question of differences with senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Raja Wadding also denied any permanent rift in relations. He said that both Randhawa and I were contenders when I was made the President of Punjab Congress. After that he was made in-charge of Rajasthan and I got the responsibility of Punjab. We have family relations for the last 20-30 years. I go to his house, he comes to mine. I used to invite him to programs and he used to come. Till date I have not understood that there was no problem for four and a half years, but what happened when my name was announced again. It is possible that someone may have given them some wrong information or some misunderstanding may have arisen. He further said that the relationship between him and Randhawa can never break. If there is any resentment in their mind, it will be taken away from the conversation.
Raja Wading said that his wife is like my sister and his son seems to be the nephew of our family. Our relations are not limited to politics only, but are family based. I have seen that there were differences between Rana Gurjit Singh and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa earlier, but with time they went away. Therefore, I believe that there is no dispute between us which cannot be resolved.
—
PSK
