Punjab Chief Minister Captain
Amarinder Singh has been engaged in the war of words with his former colleague
Navjot Singh Sidhu, who leaves no cue of targeting the CM over 2015
Sacrilege case.
Sidhu’s repetitive targets over different issues are not at all warmly taken by the Punjab Congress and now CM has made his mind to reshuffle the cabinet by permanently closing the doors for Sidhu ahead of Assembly Elections 2022.
According to the sources, Punjab CM is ready to fill the vacant position of Sidhu in his cabinet in a few days. It may be noted here that Sidhu tendered his resignation on June 10, 2019 following a change in his portfolio and since then, the post is vacant.
On the other side, Sidhu also seems to prepare the grounds of confrontation against CM Capt Amarinder Singh as he has met two cabinet ministers in the past week. This, however, hints at the political turmoil within the party. So far, Sidhu has criticized CM for illegal mining and inept handling of probes in the Kotkapura firing case and the Behbal Kalan Sacrilege case.
It may be noted here that even after receiving the flak of criticism from his former fellow, CM had held the view of reconciliation with Sidhu with his return to the cabinet. For this, CM had invited Sidhu twice for the talks after the Congress High Command took cognizance of the matter.
Earlier, Sidhu had also sought of being chosen for the Punjab Deputy CM to which Capt confronted during a TV interview. CM Capt said that Sidhu’s demand for either PPCC president or Deputy CM cannot be accepted as there are prominent and seniors leaders to him who deserve.
Also Read: Punjab Cabinet ministers seek disciplinary action against Navjot Sidhu
Not taking any further condemnation from Sidhu, on May 10 three cabinet ministers including Brahm Mohindra, Sunder Sham Arora and Sadhu Singh Dharamsot came out against him. These leaders now seek the expulsion of Sidhu from the party after the other two ministers who secretly met Sidhu are lobbying against the CM.
To end this matter, CM Capt is now preparing grounds to fill up Sidhu’s vacancy with a cabinet reshuffle. However, the final decision will be taken in a few days.
Meanwhile, aspirants willing to get a place in the Cabinet have started meeting up the Party High Command to reserve their place. It has even come to the light that PPCC President Sunil Jakhar has also met the High Command to protect his supporters in the cabinet.