Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) in-charge Harish Rawat on Wednesday made it clear that the Punjab Assembly elections in 2022 will be fought under the leadership of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, amid revolt against him by four ministers and some MLAs. Rawat announced this after a meeting with anti-Captain ministers Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Charanjit Singh Channi and Sukhbinder Singh Sarkaria and MLAs Kulbir Singh Jeera, Barindermeet Singh Pahra and Surjit Singh Dhiman at Dehradun. He signalled that the demand to replace Captain Amarinder Singh would also not be accepted.
The delegation of the above four ministers and three MLAs had reached Dehradun on Wednesday morning, a day after they revolted against Captain at Chandigarh, saying that they had no faith in the present CM regarding fulfillment of promises made to the people. After meeting these ministers and MLAs, Rawat said that they raised some points regarding the government’s functioning, and he would discuss with the persons concerned and if needed, with the high command. He said that all the issues will be resolved soon.
Rawat said that there is no danger to the party and the government, adding that the ministers and MLAs expressed full confidence in the party and the high command. The PPCC in-charge added that if needed, he would talk to the party high command. He also expressed hope that all would work together for the party.
Asked about the statements of PPCC chief Navjot Sidhu’s advisors, Rawat said that Sidhu had been asked to keep them under control. He also said that the party has nothing to do with his advisors. If their statements hurt the sentiments of the Congress and the nation, then appropriate action will be taken.
Talking to media after the meeting with Rawat, minister Charanjit Singh Channi said, “We had a positive meeting with Harish Rawat. He will speak to the high command. We are satisfied with what Harish Rawat has promised us. We will go with what the high command decides. But still our stand on the issues is the same as yesterday.”
It is worth mentioning here that the tussle between the two camps of the Punjab Congress had intensified on Tuesday with four cabinet ministers and several party legislators openly pitching for the CM’s removal, saying he failed to fulfill the key poll promises. On the other hand, a group of Punjab ministers and MLAs, loyal to Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, demanded strong action against Navjot Sidhu’s two advisors over their “patently anti-national and pro-Pakistan comments”, warning that it could cause massive damage to the Congress in the run-up to the Punjab Assembly polls due in less than six months.