The Punjab congress crisis is expected to end today with Navjot Singh Sidhu would be officially announced for the post of Punjab Congress President. However, the Sidhu vs Captain match still seems to continue.
Close on the heels of Captain Amrinder Singh’s meeting with Punjab incharge Harish Rawat at his Siswan farm house in the morning where Captain reportedly reiterates that he will abide by the decision of the party high command on the appointment of Sidhu as Punjab Congress President, but there are reports that say Captain has made it amply clear to the Rawat that he will not entertain Sidhu till he tenders apology in public for his comments against him on his social media platforms.
This new twist has created another dilemma that may linger the coronation of Sidhu for some time. Notably, the crisis in Punjab Congress was likely to be resolved today. Punjab Congress in-charge Harish Rawat had a long meeting with Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today and the latter had made a statement that every decision of the party high command will be acceptable.
It was believed that the captain may have laid down some of his conditions before Harish Rawat to pass on the same to the party high command. Sources claimed that one condition which was laid down by the Captain was Sidhu should tender a public apology for his comments against him besides he also suggested four working Presidents in the Punjab Congress.
Conveying the party's decision, Rawat informed the Chief Minister that there would be three to four working presidents of his choice along with Sidhu. He would also be free to revamp his Cabinet, Rawat reportedly told the Punjab Chief Minister.
Even though Captain Amarinder had now accepted the decision of party high command, he has condemned the way matter was handled at the Delhi office. According to close Congress sources, Captain has told Harish Rawat that choosing PCC Chief is Congress president prerogative, however, the way the matter was handled was highly incorrect.
CM Amarinder Singh has clearly stated that he will not meet Sidhu until he apologizes for his derogatory tweets and other public statements.
It's been several months now since Sidhu has been publically attacking CM Captain Amarinder Singh. Sidhu was recently seen giving out interviews criticising the CM and Punjab Congress functioning on various issues.
When Punjab and Haryana HC had quashed the investigation in the Kotkapura firing case, Sidhu had accused CM of delaying justice and being soft on Badals. Besides, he had questioned Captain Amarinder Singh regarding the inaction or evasion regarding the menace of drugs which has been eating away at the roots of Punjab for a long time.
Also read: Punjab Congress Crisis likely to end today, Sidhu to head state unit along with 4 working presidents
It remains to be seen what decision party high command would take in the light of new conditions laid by the Captain? Political experts feel that the party high command has in principle agrees to the suggestion of four working presidents but they cannot compel Sidhu to tender a public apology. In such a condition the situation will again go back to square one.
(With inputs from Dinesh Sharma)