Capt breaks silence, dares Sidhu to contest from Patiala

Chandigarh, April 27

Sending a clear signal to his detractors within the party and literally closing the door on his former Cabinet colleague, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Tuesday dared him to contest against him from Patiala, his home turf, and lose his security deposit like Gen JJ Singh (retd).

The challenge came after Sidhu over the last few days launched an offensive targeting the CM over the quashing of the SIT into the Kotkapura police firing case by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Losing no time, Sidhu again took to Twitter stating “Efforts to derail Punjab’s conscience will fail... our fight is for justice and punishing the guilty, an Assembly seat is not even worth discussion in the same breath!” In another tweet, he without naming the Chief Minister raised questions on his intent and leadership and sought to know reasons for justice not being given to the perpetrators of the sacrilege.

In an interview to a private channel, the Chief Minister dared Sidhu to contest election against him from Patiala. By attacking the Congress, the Chief Minister of his own government, Sidhu wants to join some other party, said Capt Amarinder, adding, “But neither BJP nor Akalis will take Sidhu. He has limited choice, either stay in the Congress or join AAP”.

The Chief Minister’s clear line on Sidhu seems to bring to an end not only the efforts by party’s Punjab affairs in charge Harish Rawat to rope him back, it also signals the start of a cold war between the two leaders. — TNS

Stop doubting my abilitiy to lead

If Sidhu has any doubt about my capability to lead the government, he should test the ground by contesting the election against me from Patiala. If he has any issue, he should talk to me. — Capt Amarinder Singh, CM

Fight is for justice, Punish the guilty

My soul is Punjab and Punjab’s soul is Guru Granth Sahib Ji ... our fight is for justice and punishing the guilty. An Assembly seat is not even worth discussion in the same breath. — Navjot Singh Sidhu, Cong leader