With less than sixmonths for the Punjab assembly election, infighting in the state Congress isfar from the end. Now, Congress is concerned that if Chief Minister AmarinderSingh does not take steps at his level to reassure disgruntled MLAs and MPs,hopes for a united front closer to the elections will remain a pie in the sky.
Congress believes that if things are not reined in time,even the settled issues of leadership will be called into question, which iffueled closer to the polls, will create confusion in the rank and file.
Reportedly, since it was announced that Capt Amarinderwill remain the face of the Punjab congress, there is concern among certainlegislators that they will be stamped out in elections because of theirpolitical opposition to him. The fear among many MLAs and MPs who were a partof the anti-Capt revolt is that they would not be re-nominated or that theywill face internal sabotage.
Now, party high command believes that the CM should takethe initiative on his levels to soothe the fears of concerned members andconvince them to quit their "rebellion”. However, Capt's camp has beenhighlighting that the central leadership's actions were ineffective.
The Congress leadership says that the MLAs will continueto speak out against the CM as a mask for their "personal insecurities”.“Capt Amarinder is responsible for resolving these local differences. He mustact, and it is in his own and the party's best interests,” a senior partyleader said.
According to party sources, AICC Punjab in charge HarishRawat has been asked to visit Punjab early next week to mend fences. He isexpected to meet with CM Amarinder Singh and Punjab PCC head Navjot Singh Sidhuin order to bridge the gap between them and the legislatures.
Despite best efforts to placate factions, first byappointing Sidhu as PCC president and later by declaring Amarinder Singh as theparty's election face, things have not gone as planned.
These recent controversies have allegedly resulted indelaying of the appointment of poll-related committees and cabinet reshuffle.