DespiteNavjot Singh Sidhu has been announced as Punjab Congress President, theinfighting in Punjab Congress is not coming to an end. CM’s demand for publicapology remains unmet as MLAs backing Sidhu say that ‘it’s not a public issue.’
TodaySidhu, the newly appointed Punjab Congress head held a meeting with over 62MLAs at his Amritsar residence.
Inwhat is being called a ‘big show of strength’ three state cabinet ministers,several party district chiefs, and other prominent Congress leaders were amongthose who joined the Punjab PCC chief in the meeting.
Reportedly,Sidhu had extended an invitation to all 77 Congress lawmakers to pay obeisanceat the Golden Temple before formally taking over the role of Punjab Congresshead. Of those 62 accepted the invitation, following which the cricketerturned politician visited the Golden Temple along with MLAs supporting him.
Whenquestioned over Punjab CM’s apology demand, Congress MLA Pargat Singh said, “Whyshould Sidhu apologise, for what”.
"Sidhuhas no reason to apologise. It isn't a public matter. Many issues have not beenresolved by the Chief Minister. In that scenario, he should apologise to thepeople as well” said MLA Pargat Singh.
Hewas responding to a tweet from Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's adviser,who asked Sidhu to apologise. CM Amarinder Singh's camp sought a public apologyfor criticising him on various issues as a condition of agreeing to Mr. Sidhu'selevation as state party chief.
"Iam confident that party would win the 2022 Assembly elections under Sidhu's leadership as PPCC President.Advisors to the CM are misleading him. Punjab is regressing as a result ofthis,” said Ghanaur MLA, Madan Lal Jalalpur.
OnJuly 18, Navjot Singh Sidhu replaced Sunil Jakhar as state party president. Hisappointment came after months-long infighting between Sidhu and CM Capt.Amarinder Singh.
Accordingto Kuljit Singh Nagra, the working President of the state party unit, NavjotSingh Sindhu is scheduled to take charge at the Congress office in Chandigarhat 11 am on Friday.