Former DCC (urban) presidents — K K Bawa, Harmohinder Singh Pradhan and Gurdev Singh Lapran — and many elected Congress councillors also stayed away from the function, which was organised by the District Congress Committee (DCC).

In his speech, Tewari said it was time to stay united and walk together. “Congress is united. Few issues or ego clashes need to be sorted out after having meetings. We are one big family,” he added.

However, explaining his absence from the function, MLA Ashu said, “There are a few unsettled issues and till the time they are sorted out, it is better to stay away from such functions rather than to feel humiliated. We are happy that the Ludhiana MP has got a Union minister rank, but we also want that the newly appointed minister should take all along while walking.”

MLA Dawar, however, said he was out of station and, therefore, could not attend the function.

Bawa said, “We had worked hard for his victory in Ludhiana, but he could not take everyone along. He has become mere a weekend leader and is opposing many just at the behest of one of his favourites (read DCC president Pawan Dewan).”