The month’s long dispute between Navjot Singh Sidhu and Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh has finally concluded. Today, Sidhu took charge as the Punjab PCC president and shared the stage with Punjab CM Amarinder Singh.
Earlier, it was speculated that CM will not be attending Sidhu’s coronation ceremony. However, he did and also gave a speech, presenting a united face of the party.
Sidhu was sworn in as the head of the Punjab party unit in front of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, former state party president Sunil Jakhar, and Congress national secretary in charge of the state Harish Rawat.
After the ceremony, CM said "When Sonia Gandhi told me they wanted to make Navjot Sidhu the party head; I told the media the same day that its party leadership's prerogative and whatever their decision is, I will accept it."
Captain Amarinder Singh went on to say that “It is our responsibility to ensure the welfare of Punjab and our country. Hence, I believe we will fight together. We must shun Akali Dal and Aam Aadmi Party because I have no confidence in them. The Congress Party has been working for the country's welfare and independence from the very beginning.”
He also disclosed his close relation with relation with the newly appointed state party head. He said that Sidhu was born in the same year he joined the army. “Sidhu and I have a connection. He was born in 1963, and the same year I was commissioned and deployed to the India-China border.”
“We should work together for our people’s welfare and fight out our rivals”, Singh concluded.
Meanwhile, Sidhi in his speech said, “Today, all Punjab workers have become pramukhs (president) of the Punjab Congress. In the sea of Congress, Navjot Singh Sidhu is just a worker. Workers are the party's soul. I would feel I have linked with the spirit of Punjab if I connect with the workers.”
Reportedly, Sidhu had penned a letter to Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, inviting him to the ceremony and bless the new team. In the letter, Sidhu said that he has ‘no personal agenda.’
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“You and everyone are aware of my resolve and dedication to settle Punjab's issues and to carry out the high command's pro-people 18-point agenda for the welfare of every Punjabi. As the eldest member of our Punjab Congress family, I respectfully request that you come and bless the new team,” Sidhu said in his letter.
The letter was signed by 62 MLAs. After accepting the invitation Captain met Sidhu at Punjab Bhawan over a cup of tea.