Rajmeet Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 29
Even as Capt Amarinder Singh has announced the launch of a new outfit, senior Congress leaders are learnt to be engaged in backend talks to persuade the former CM to stay in the party.
A senior Congress leader from Haryana and an AICC general secretary are learnt to be involved in the exercise to convince the party leadership to retain the former CM. In this regard, the former CM has met at least two senior leaders and talked to some other leaders only recently.
Though there is no official confirmation from the AICC in this regard, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi is also said to be of the opinion that the former CM should be retained in the party.
“We are weighing various options that may come into play should Captain Amarinder formally leave or remain in the party,” said a party leader.
Party insiders say the leadership does not want the former CM to field candidates against the party nominees, as it will lead to division of cadre vote.
“Since the former CM will be looking for disgruntled Congress leaders who are denied party ticket, it will result in eating into party’s cadre votes,” said a senior party leader privy to the discussions. Confirming that the former Chief Minister had received calls from a senior party leader, one of his close aides said he had not given his mind so far. He is waiting for the meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah and a favourable solution to the farmers’ stir.
The ex-CM has already announced his decision to field candidates in all 117 segments or go for seat-sharing with the BJP or a breakaway Akali faction. Capt Amarinder has stated many Punjab Congress MLAs are in touch with him. A confidant of the former CM says they have asked the leaders to hold back till an amicable solution to the farmers’ stir is announced.
Fears division of cadre vote
List of district chiefs soon
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