CLP authorises Sonia Gandhi to decide on next Punjab Chief Minister

Tribune Web Desk

Chandigarh, September 18

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting that was to choose the successor to Capt Amarinder Singh has ended with the MLAs passing a resolution authorising Congress president, Sonia Gandhi to take a decision.

Senior Congress leader Ajay Maken, who was one of the two central observers deputed by the party, told reporters that 78 of 80 party MLAs were present in the meeting.

Punjab Congress MLAs has authorised party president Sonia Gandhi to pick new CLP leader, Maken said. 

He said another resolution praising and thanking Amarinder Singh for his contribution towards Punjab and the Congress was also unanimously passed at the meeting.

"We expect that the party will continue to get guidance of Amarinder Singh," he said.

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"Resolution praising Amarinder Singh's contribution towards Punjab and Cong unanimously passed at CLP meeting," Maken said.

Though Capt Amarinder skipped the CLP meeting, it was attended by almost all the legislators who unanimously passed the resolution. Now, the decision for the next Chief Minister of Punjab will be taken by Sonia Gandhi.

Among the names doing the rounds include former PCC chief Sunil Jakhar, who has emerged as the frontrunner for the post. Also in reckoning are Sukhjinder Randhawa, a prominent Jat leader and also Charanjit Channi, a Dalit leader.

Also, the name of MP Partap Bajwa is doing the rounds.

Earlier, Capt Amarinder Singh submitted his resignation to the Governor ahead of the CLP meeting. With PTI