India, June 3 -- Congress general secretary in-charge for Punjab Bhupesh Baghel rejected speculation on Tuesday that the party is mulling a change of leadership in the state and asserted that next year's Assembly polls would be contested by leaders collectively.

Baghel made the assertion after a meeting with the party's top brass at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's 10, Rajaji Marg residence here. Besides Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary K C Venugopal were also present at the meeting.

"A meeting on Punjab was held a few days ago and one was held today as well as the Assembly polls are near. Serious deliberations have been held on the way forward," Baghel told reporters. Asked about the specula...