Punjab Chief Minister CaptainAmarinder Singh has been engaged in the war of words with his former colleagueNavjot Singh Sidhu, who leaves no cue of targeting the CM over 2015Sacrilege case.
Sidhu’s repetitive targets overdifferent issues are not at all warmly taken by the Punjab Congress and now CMhas made his mind to reshuffle the cabinet by permanently closing the doors forSidhu ahead of Assembly Elections 2022.
According to the sources,Punjab CM is ready to fill the vacant position of Sidhu in his cabinet in a fewdays. It may be noted here that Sidhu tendered his resignation on June 10, 2019following a change in his portfolio and since then, the post is vacant.
On the other side, Sidhu alsoseems to prepare the grounds of confrontation against CM Capt Amarinder Singh ashe has met two cabinet ministers in the past week. This, however, hints at thepolitical turmoil within the party. So far, Sidhu has criticized CM for illegalmining and inept handling of probes in the Kotkapura firing case and the BehbalKalan Sacrilege case.
It may be noted here that evenafter receiving the flak of criticism from his former fellow, CM had held theview of reconciliation with Sidhu with his return to the cabinet. For this, CMhad invited Sidhu twice for the talks after the Congress High Command tookcognizance of the matter.
Earlier, Sidhu had also soughtof being chosen for the Punjab Deputy CM to which Capt confronted during a TVinterview. CM Capt said that Sidhu’s demand for either PPCC president or DeputyCM cannot be accepted as there are prominent and seniors leaders to him whodeserve.
Not taking any further condemnationfrom Sidhu, on May 10 three cabinet ministers including Brahm Mohindra, SunderSham Arora and Sadhu Singh Dharamsot came out against him. These leaders nowseek the expulsion of Sidhu from the party after the other two ministers whosecretly met Sidhu are lobbying against the CM.
To end this matter, CM Capt isnow preparing grounds to fill up Sidhu’s vacancy with a cabinet reshuffle.However, the final decision will be taken in a few days.
Meanwhile, aspirantswilling to get a place in the Cabinet have started meeting up the Party HighCommand to reserve their place.It has even come to the lightthat PPCC President Sunil Jakhar has also met the High Command to protect hissupporters in the cabinet.