The Congress panel constituted to resolve factionalism in the party in Punjab, met Congress MP Rahul Gandhi today at his residence in Delhi.
The panel headed by senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress' Punjab in-charge Harish Rawat and former MP J.P. Aggarwal apprised Rahul Gandhi about the ongoing tussle between Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu.
As per sources, the removal of Captain Amarinder Singh has not been recommended by the panel and he will probably lead the party in the next elections. Rather, the panel has suggested a slew of changes in the party-state unit.
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Though a final call to address the issue will be taken by the high command Sonia Gandhi, the sources however said that party could take an action against MLA Pargat Singh. Besides, the AICC panel had recommended some organisational changes, including replacing the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Sunil Jakhar.
However, Navjot Singh Sidhu’s fate is still unclear but sources suggest that the panel wants him to be rehabilitated back in the Punjab cabinet. Though Amrinder Singh is inimical to promote Sidhu to the post of Deputy CM but is willing to furnish him a place in his cabinet, sources said.
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The committee has also emphasized that there is no groupism in the party and advised that more representation must be provided to Dalit leaders. It further suggested making a Dalit leader the Deputy CM. The panel also noted that a few MLAs are "unhappy" but are not against Amarinder Singh.
Rift in Punjab Congress surfaced after former state cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu and Pargat Singh started a revolt against the Chief Minister.