Change of guard signals Gandhi siblings’ growing say

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 24

As political drama unfolds in the Punjab Congress, there are tell-tale signs of micro-management of the party and state government affairs by the Gandhi siblings.

From writing the script against Capt Amarinder Singh and creating a parallel power centre by elevating Navjot Singh Sidhu as the state party chief to closely monitoring the selection of the Chief Minister and now his Council of Ministers, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are truly calling the shots.

They are working through their trusted lieutenants such as Harish Chaudhary, with inputs from political strategist Prashant Kishore, trying to recast the Punjab Congress minus Captain Amarinder to ensure victory in the upcoming Assembly elections. The behind-the-scenes work in selection of Charanjit Singh Channi as the Chief Minister, contrary to the demand for putting up a Jat face, also indicates long-term planning by the two.

The central leadership never wants a state head to be an autonomous power, as Capt Amarinder Singh appeared to be. As the happenings in Delhi suggest, the central leadership, comprising KC Venugopal, Chaudhary, Harish Rawat and Ambika Soni, has been briefing the Gandhis on the profile of each candidate being considered for a Cabinet berth.

Brainstorming has been going on in Delhi to consider a blend of experience and youth to correct the “negative narrative” of the Captain government and arrest anti-incumbency. Criteria such as age, performance of ministers in Captain government and allegations of corruption are being factored. Sources say Sidhu may not get absolute power and checks and balances are being put in place by the Gandhis.