SIDHU LIKELY TO BE PCC CHIEF AS PUNJAB CRISIS DEEPENS

Growing differences between Navjot Singh Sidhu and Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh have snowballed into a full-scale internal war in Punjab Congress. After Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s intervention, Sidhu seems to have an upper hand over Amarinder.  

According to sources, Sidhu may be appointed the new Punjab Congress president, replacing Sunil Jakhar in the next few days. In such a case, it will be a first for the Congress where a leader coming from another party will be appointed a state unit chief, in a clear indication of party high command yielding to pressure. Significantly, both the posts will then be held by leaders from the Jat Sikh community.    

Sources say that the post of Deputy CM may be given to a Dalit leader with an objective to woo the community voters. Moreover, the charge of the campaign committee may go to some Hindu leader. Sources say that Amarinder has been convinced for Sidhu’s appointment as PCC chief. So, CM Amarinder may not oppose Sidhu being made Punjab PCC president.  

However, a big section including both younger and older generation leaders of the Congress may object to it. High command will be

making all possible efforts to make it smooth.

After Sidhu’s appointment, all the election committees will be announced.

Meanwhile, Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi is understood to be in no mood to change Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Congress party leader in the Lok Sabha. The party may give Manish Tiwary some important responsibility in Punjab. Punjab in-charge Harish Rawat will be given responsibility of ensuring Congress win in Uttarakhand elections. Senior Congress leader J.P. Agrawal may be given Punjab charge in place of Rawat.  

Meanwhile, Rajiv Shukla, who is in charge of Himachal Pradesh, wants Punjab to be clubbed with his existing charge. Shukla is said to be a Priyanka loyalist. So, if Sidhu is appointed PCC chief, then other posts would go to the leaders close to Amarinder Singh.

The real tussle will also be seen during ticket allocation for Assembly elections, during which the role of CM, PCC chief and AICC general secretary in-charge will be important. The screening committee also plays an important role in this exercise.

Sources say that Punjab tussle will not end with Sidhu’s elevation as PCC president, as another bout of fight over candidate selection for Assembly polls is in the offing. The possibility of a split in the party can’t be ruled out if either Sidhu or Amarinder turns rebel at that time.