Will revolting MLAs move no-confidence motion against CM Amarinder Singh? 
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Will revolting MLAs move no-confidence motion against CM Amarinder Singh?

Meeting of the CLP has been scheduled today to discuss Congress high command's 18-point formula, however, revolt against Capt Amarinder Singh in the state is in focus.

Amid ongoing infighting in Punjab Congress, a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has been scheduled on Saturday. According to sources, this meet could pose trouble for ChiefMinister Capt Amarinder Singh as a high number of MLAs are demanding his removal.
AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab affairs Harish Rawat announced the meeting late at night, tweeting, “The AICC has received a representation from a large number of partyMLAs, requesting to immediately convene a meeting of the legislature party of Punjab.”
The meeting will begin at 5 pm today. “Meeting of the CLP has been convened at 5:00 PM on 18th September at Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee office. AICC directs the PPCC to facilitatethis meeting,” he added.

All Congress MLAs are asked to join this meeting.
This major development in state politics comes as around 40 Congress MLAs penned a letter to the party high command demanding a Punjab Congress's Legislature Party (CLP) meet.
No confidence motion against Capt Amarinder
The meeting is being organised to discuss Congress high command's 18-point formula, however, revolt against Capt Amarinder Singh and distrust of MLAs on his leadership in the stateis in focus.
According to sources, in the name of the 18-point formula, the anti-capt camp can move a no-confidence motion against CM pushing the party high command to take a big decision.
Apart from Harish Rawat, two observers from Delhi- Harish Chaudhary and Ajay Maken are expected to attend the meet. The two observers are said to be close confidants of Rahul Gandhi.
Punjab AICC in charge, Mr Rawat’s late-night announcement regarding the CLP meet has caused a stir in political circles in the state. Today’s CLP meet is significant as thepolitical structure of the Punjab congress can be altered.

Also Read: New crisis in Punjab congress as MLAs target Capt Amarinder again, demand CLP meet

Capt’s camp starts lobbying
According to sources, the meeting notice was purposely issued late to give the CM camp little time to react. However, as per the latest updates, Capt Amarinder Singh has summoned hisclose MLAs to Siswan Farm House for a meeting.
Capt’s camp is devising a strategy to deal with the probable no-confidence motion by the rebel group.
In the last 10 hours, Capt’s camp has been active and is trying to lobby MLAs.
Earlier, when three ministers- Sukhjinder Randhawa, Tript Rajinder Bajwa and Sukh Sarkaria, led the revolt against Captain, he had put a show of strength at a political dinner. The Capt’scamp had claimed that over 58 MLAs and 8 MPs back Amarinder Singh.

Also Read: 58 MLAs, 8 MPs': Show of strength by Capt Amarinder amid calls for removal

Now, today’s CLP meet will reveal how many MLAs stand with Capt and how many vote for his removal from the Chief Minister’s chair.
Navjot Singh Sidhu active, backs CM’s removal
After Rawat’s announcement of the CLP meeting, the recently elected Punjab PCC president Navjot Singh Sidhu took to Twitter and said, “As per the AICC directive, CongressLegislative Party meeting has been convened at @INCPunjab PCC Office, Chandigarh on 18 September 2021 (Saturday) 5 PM)."

Sources claim that, even though Mr Rawat announced the meeting late at night, Sidhu was aware of this development and was preparing against CM Amarinder Singh.
Notably, the tussle between Sidhu and Capt has been going on for years. Now Sidhu along with disgruntled MLAs is ready to launch a final attack against Amarinder Singh. All eyes stayon today’s CLP meet.
If not Capt Amarinder, then who?
The Congress has 80 MLAs in the 117-strong state assembly and if the majority votes against Capt, the party high command will most likely announce a new CM.
Now big question is- If not Capt Amarinder, then who?
According to sources, Sukhjinder Randhawa, who is heading the rebel group intends to become the new CM. However, his appointment can enrage MLAs close to Capt Amarinder.
Apart from Randhawa, MP Pratap Singh Bajwa and Rajinder Kaur Bhattal are also eyeing CM’s chair. According to sources, Sidhu’s close aide, MLA Pargat Singh is also seen asthe candidate who can replace Capt.

Also Read: Harish Rawat meets Sonia, asked to settle Punjab issue

According to sources, Navjot Sidhu’s camp can present three names- Sukhjinder Randhawa, Tripat Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Pargat Singh as new CM candidates.
With less than six months in the Punjab assembly elections, the Congress leadership is trying best to resolve the matter at the earliest. So far, the high command has failed to placatefactions, which might cause a heavy loss in polls.

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