Amarinder says ready to abide by Delhi’s decision, but makes clear he is still monarch

The turbulent political winds blowing across Punjab Congress on Saturday showed signs of abating, but the heat wave continued. Captain Amarinder Singh, who reiterated his earlier stand on abiding by Delhi’s decision, also made it clear that he is still the monarch.

The Captain told Punjab party affairs in-charge Harish Rawat, who flew on Saturday morning from Delhi, that his position in the party should not be undermined and he should be consulted in all decisions of importance — thereby signalling his approval to Navjot Sidhu’s elevation. Reports said  Captain Amarinder has also sought public “apology” for Sidhu’s “150 odd derogatory tweets targeted at him”.

Cricketer-turned-politician Sidhu, on the other hand, made sure that the practice sessions were on for the new innings, by huddling with the party’s senior leaders and “seeking guidance” from them.

The much-awaited announcement of Sidhu’s coronation as the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief during Rawat’s Chandigarh visit did not come after all. In fact, the CM said he had raised “certain issues” with Rawat, which the latter would take up with the party supremo Sonia Gandhi.

Sources told The Pioneer that the CM, during an hour-long meeting with Rawat, reiterated that he would abide by the party president’s decision.

Expressing displeasure over “leakage” of reports regarding Sidhu’s elevation in the media before taking him in confidence, Amarinder underlined that the Congress central leadership should always involve him in important decision-making processes in the

party and regarding the Government, including next year’s Assembly elections.

It has been learnt that the CM maintained that Sidhu’s appointment should complement his efforts in returning the party to power in 2022 State Assembly polls.

Sources said  Capt Amarinder has also demanded “a free hand” in Cabinet rejig and  in the appointment of working presidents under the Punjab Congress president. An assurance for  these have reportedly been conveyed to the Chief Minister by Rawat. Capt Amrinder has also been assured of the names suggested by him to be adjusted in the party’s organisational structure.

 It has also been learnt that after the Chief Minister apprised the high command of  the simmering resentment among the party’s old guard and upsetting caste and religion arithmetic, with regard to the representation to the Dalits and Hindus.

“Had a fruitful meeting with @harishrawatcmuk. Reiterated that any decision of @INCIndia Presìdent will be acceptable to all. Raised certain issues which he said he’ll take up with @INCIndia president (sic),” tweeted Chief Minister’s media adviser Raveen Thukral after the meeting.

Rawat, upon returning to Delhi, stated that all talks regarding Punjab (referring to the anguished letter Capt Amarinder wrote to party supremo) were baseless. “The CM reiterated that Sonia ji’s decision regarding PCC president would be acceptable to him,” said Rawat.

The development came a day after Sidhu met party chief Sonia Gandhi and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi at the national capital — considered as the final meeting before the announcement of Sidhu’s new role. However, everything was put on hold after the Chief Minister’s letter bomb raising various concerns, highlighting caste demographics.

It has also been learnt that the party high command had, in Friday’s meeting, asked Sidhu to take everyone along and seek cooperation from all leaders which should be the top most priority of his new inning.

Claiming that  he is “seeking guidance”, Sidhu started meeting Congress’ old guard and senior leadership. Sidhu called upon sitting PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar, besides four former chiefs — Shamsher Singh Dullo, Lal Singh, and Partap Singh Bajwa.  Sidhu also reached out to Ministers — Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Balbir Sidhu, Gurpreet Singh Kangar, besides some of the MLAs in Chandigarh’s Sector 39.

“Seeking guidance of Presidents of the illustrious Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee...Conversations with wise men, worth months of Education!!” the cricketer-turned-politician tweeted, sharing photos with various leaders on Twitter.

Even as the turn of events indicate the resolution of the prevailing crisis, it can also be considered as a warning sign of the disquiet between Capt Amarinder and Sidhu. It would be a major challenge for Sonia Gandhi to bring the two warring leaders together as the Chief Minister has set the condition of a “public apology” before meeting Sidhu.

As per the new formula, the party high command would be appointing working presidents along with Sidhu. However, it was still not clear as to how many working presidents would be appointed as the talks were on regarding two or four.