Punjab CM seeks ‘pre-eminence’ in party; Inside track on Capt-Rawat meeting

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 17

Even as the elevation of Navjot Singh Sidhu as PCC chief is almost certain, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has reportedly made it clear that his `position’ should in no way be undermined in the party affairs.

Sources privy to what transpired at the over hour-long meeting have told The Tribune that the Chief Minister while reiterating that he will abide by the Party president’s decision, made it clear that the party high command should involve him in important decision making processes, apart from steering the government.  The CM reportedly pointed out that Sidhu’s appointment should complement the efforts of the CM in returning the party to power in the 2022 assembly elections. It is learnt that Sidhu has already been told to seek cooperation and take everyone along, as his upcoming assignment demands.

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Sources privy to the discussion said as per the peace formula, the CM would be given free hand in cabinet rejig – as per his requirement. An assurance of say in the appointment of working presidents under the PPCC President is learnt to have been conveyed to CM by Rawat. In the backdrop of CM expressing concern over Sidhu’s appointment leading to resentment among the old guard and upsetting electoral equations with respect to Hindus, some names suggested by him for adjustment in the PPCC as working Presidents or in the Campaign Committee or elsewhere would  be taken care of, it is learnt.

 Rawat has already reiterated that efforts were to bring CM and Sidhu on the same page. Rawat after reaching Delhi would be taking up the issue and apprehension raised by CM with the Congress President. The party leadership was hopeful that working solution between the CM and Sidhu would be found soon. “The CM wants that appointment should complement the efforts of the CM in returning the party to power in the 2022 assembly elections’, said sources.

 With the aim to make him acceptable and give the due respect to the old guard, Sidhu after getting apparent signal from party high command on his elevation has since yesterday called upon four former PPCC Presidents Shamsher Singh Dullo, Lal Singh, Partap Singh Bajwa and Sunil Jakhar. Sidhu today also ministers Sukhjinder Randhawa, Balbir Sidhu, Gupreet Kangar, besides MLAs in sector 39 here,

 Describing the visit as a welcome sign, Jakhar said the party had to put a united face for the 2022 Assembly elections.  Sidhu landing up at Jakhar’s residence was being seen as a follow-up to the party high command's directive to the former minister to take all state leaders along before the anticipated announcement.