Charanjit Singh Channi, Navjot Singh Sidhu 'rivalry' confusing Punjab Congress cadre

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 27

Even as Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu is projecting himself as the CM face with his 13-point agenda on reviving Punjab’s ailing economy, the party high command is learnt to have told Punjab leaders that it would not declare the CM candidate ahead of the elections.

It has been made clear that the elections would be fought collectively with CM Charanjit Singh Channi as the Dalit face, PPCC chief Navjot Sidhu the Jat face and former PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar the Hindu face. Indicating internal dissensions, the PPCC chief at the Batala rally on Sunday declared former MLA Ashwani Sekhri as the Congress candidate from Batala even though the party is yet to release a list of nominees. The announcement by Sidhu is being interpreted as a snub to minister Tript Rajinder Bajwa, who has been eying the Batala seat. In the Qadian Assembly segment, Sidhu is backing sitting MLA Fatehjang Bajwa.

The latter’s brother, Partap Singh Bajwa (MP), too wants to contest from Qadian.

Also, CM Channi “allowing” probable candidates to distribute grants in ‘their’ constituencies has annoyed ticket aspirants. Allowing particular leaders to distribute grants when the party is yet to announce the candidates is causing confusion. “We are puzzled as to whether the high command is keen on projecting Channi as the CM face or Sidhu”, remarked a senior party leader.