In an indication of a thaw in the faction-ridden Congress, senior leaders opposed to Amarinder Raja Warring continuing as PPCC chief, after days of deadlock, on Thursday decided to initiate a dialogue with Bhupesh Baghel.The meeting is expected to take place on Friday or Saturday. However, it will be held on the condition that Warring is not part of it, said a leader on the condition of anonymity.The venue and timing of the meeting with Baghel will be decided by the Channi group after consultations with all stakeholders.Speaking to The Tribune, Sukhjinder Randhawa said all the leaders were disciplined soldiers of the party and they would take up their issues with the Punjab Affairs on party platform.At least seven senior leaders — Charanjit Singh Channi, Sukhjinder Randhawa, Rana Gurjeet Singh, Parminder Pinki, Pargat Singh, Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Barindermeet Singh Pahra — participated in the meeting.Sources said most of the leaders present at the meeting expressed resentment over Baghel’s hostile posturing over the past few days. A senior leader said the AICC general secretary was an independent observer and should not become a party to the power struggle between the two groups.The leaders pointed out that the dinner diplomacy by Baghel to project a show of strength for Warring did not hold ground, as several senior leaders stayed away from meeting him.The decision to open a channel of communication with Baghel came after a senior Congress leader advised the disgruntled leaders to maintain party discipline while pursuing their agenda and to meet the Punjab affairs in-charge, who represents the AICC.#WATCH | Chandigarh: On Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh’s statement, AICC General Secretary In-Charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel says, “He is welcome. I will certainly go (to meet him). I am going to visit those who are extending the invitation.” pic.twitter.com/gIP72Qpor0— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2026