Punjab Congress Crisis: Navjot Singh Sidhu will continue as Punjab Congress President, his aide said. (file)
New Delhi:
Navjot Singh Sidhu is holding a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi for talks. His resignation from the post of State Congress President two days ago. Earlier, his aide had said that he would “remain Punjab Congress chief and lead the Congress in next year’s election”, indicating that the cricketer-turned-politician may back down from his resignation.
“The Chief Minister has invited me for talks… Will retaliate by reaching Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh at 3:00 PM today, he is welcome for any discussion!” – Mr Sidhu tweeted.
Chief Minister has invited me for talks… Will retaliate by reaching Punjab Bhawan, Chandigarh at 3:00 PM today, he is welcome for any discussion!
Navjot Singh Sidhu (Hersheriontop) September 30, 2021
Navjot Sidhu’s advisor Mohammad Mustafa told NDTV this morning that “the issue will be resolved soon”.
Mustafa said, “The Congress leadership understands Navjot Sidhu and Sidhu is not beyond the Congress leadership. He is not Amarinder Singh, who never cared for the Congress and its leadership.”
According to him, Mr Sidhu “acts emotionally at times” and the Congress leadership understands.
Sidhu, who was elected Punjab Congress president in July, on Tuesday resigned saying he “can never compromise on the future of Punjab and the agenda of Punjab’s welfare”.
He was upset over key appointments made by new chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who had replaced Sidhu’s rival Amarinder Singh less than two weeks ago.
Mr. Sidhu’s resignation was a surprise to the Gandhi family; Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had supported him against Amarinder Singh, taking a huge political risk closer to the election.
Mr Sidhu has not spoken to the party leadership since reportedly resigning, and has reprimanded the Punjab leaders sent to pacify him.
Yesterday he posted a video defending his move. “My fight is based on issues and I have stood by it for a long time. I cannot compromise on my morality, my moral right. What I see is compromise with issues, agenda in Punjab. I will not mislead the high command. I can’t and can’t, I let them be misled,” said Mr. Sidhu in Punjabi.
Chief Minister Channi spoke to Sidhu over phone yesterday and indicated that he may reconsider some of the appointments.
Channi told reporters, “I told Sidhu that the party believes in consultation, please come and we can fix it. If anyone has any objection to an appointment, I am not harsh on him. No arrogance. Is.”
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