Raj Kumar Verka’s induction in Punjab Cabinet adds to Majha clout in Congress

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 26

The induction of Amritsar’s West MLA leader Raj Kumar Verka in the Cabinet has further strengthened Majha’s image of being the “power centre” of the Congress.

Also read: Celebrations break out at Raj Kumar Verka’s residence

PCC president Navjot Singh Sidhu, working president Sukhwinder Singh Danny Bandala (Jandiala MLA), two deputy CMs OP Soni and Sukhjinder Randhawa (representing Amritsar Central and Dera Baba Nanak, respectively), along with ministers Sukhjinder Singh Sarkaria (Rajasansi) and Tript Randiner Singh Bajwa (Fatehgarh Churia) all belong to Majha. Born on March 20, 1962, to a Valmiki family he emerged as a strong Dalit leader from Majha region. He was conferred with a Cabinet ‘rank’ and status in the Capt Amarinder Singh-led government, but without any portfolio.

He ‘diplomatically’ indulged himself actively in Capt Amarinder and Navjot Singh Sidhu camps. He sided with Sidhu, revolting for a change in the state leadership on the grounds of inaction in Kotkapura firing issue, and when encountered by media, he deftly held Capt Amarinder in high esteem and called him the real ‘Captain’.

Unlike other Congress MLA, he was the one who went to see Sidhu at his residence when the latter got incommunicado after quitting the Capt Amarinder’s Cabinet. To bring truce between the warring factions within the party, he had raised the demand for a Dalit CM candidate for the Assembly elections.

Verka shares a good rapport with BJP leaders also. He was reappointed as vice-chairman of National SC Commission in 2013 and continued till 2016. At present, he is the chairman of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation. He successfully contested from the Verka constituency in 2002. In 2007, he was defeated but bounced back and in 2012 and 2017 from Amritsar West.

Having a knack of acting, he has authored songs with social or patriotic messages.