In a sign of a possible easing of tensions in the faction-ridden Punjab Congress, senior leaders opposed to Amrinder Singh Raja Warring continuing as PPCC chief have, after days of deadlock, on Thursday decided to initiate a dialogue with AICC general secretary in-charge Bhupesh Baghel.At a meeting attended by at least seven senior leaders — Charanjit Singh Channi, Sukhjinder Randhawa, Rana Gurjeet Singh, Parminder Pinki, Pargat Singh, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, Barinder Dhillon and Barindermeet Singh Pahra — it was decided to meet Baghel tomorrow or the day after, following consultations with all stakeholders. Rana Gurjeet contacted Baghel on Thursday to schedule the meeting.The aggrieved leaders will meet Baghel on the condition that Warring is not part of the deliberations, a senior leader said on the condition of anonymity. Sources said most of the leaders present at the meeting expressed resentment over Baghel’s hostile posturing over the past few days.The development comes amid reported resentment in certain sections of the party, particularly among leaders close to Channi, over the high command’s decision to retain Warring as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president. Several leaders had earlier skipped key meetings and demanded a leadership change ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.Baghel, who has been in the state to hold discussions with party leaders and oversee organisational preparations, has publicly maintained that there is no question of changing the state leadership. He has emphasised that the high command’s decision is final and has been welcomed by most leaders.Welcoming the development, Baghel said, “I received a call from Rana Gurjeet. I will be meeting them. I am going to visit those who are extending the invitation.” With Rahul Gandhi returning from abroad on Friday, Congress leaders are hopeful of an early resolution.Senior leaders privy to the back-channel parleys said a senior party leader close to Sonia Gandhi had persuaded the unhappy leaders not to publicly defy AICC representatives and instead raise their concerns while maintaining party discipline.Speaking to The Tribune, Randhawa said all the leaders were disciplined soldiers of the party and would take up their issues with the Punjab affairs in-charge on the party platform. “All senior leaders will collectively meet the party high command. No leader will speak individually. Instead, we will speak together and listen to the views of the party high command.”Sources said Channi had been working to bring all leaders, including Partap Bajwa, Pargat Singh and Randhawa, on one platform. For the scheduled meeting with Baghel, efforts are underway to bring all leaders, including Bajwa, together to present their grievances before the Punjab affairs in-charge.During Thursday’s meeting, Channi reportedly called Sukhpal Khaira and asked him to speak to Rana Gurjeet, who was present at the meeting. Rana Gurjeet and Khaira have been at loggerheads in the past.Randhawa, meanwhile, said Warring needed to introspect as to why he (Randhawa) was upset. He questioned why Warring had referred to them as “disgruntled leaders” when he himself had no grievance against the party. Randhawa said he was not angry with the Congress and that Warring should clear any such misconceptions.