Punjab political crisis is expected to take a new turn today, as sources claim former Punjab PCC chief Sunil Kumar Jakhar could replace Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh after latter’sresignation.
According to sources close to senior party leaders, Jakhar will be appointed as new Punjab Chief Minister and the announcement will be made in the Congress Legislature Party meeting scheduledat 5 pm today.
Amid the stir in Punjab Congress, Jakhar tweeted, “Kudos to Sh Rahul Gandhi for adopting Alexandrian solution to this Punjabi version of Gordian knot. Surprisingly, this bold leadershipdecision to resolve Punjab Congress imbroglio has not only enthralled congress workers but has sent shudders down the spines of Akalis.”
Sunil Jakhar's nomination could be motivated by the desire to create a combination of a Hindu Sikh chief minister and a Jat Sikh president of the Punjab Congress. Jakhar, on the otherhand, is not an MLA. Navjot Singh Sidhu himself could be put forward by Sidhu's camp for the role of the chief minister.
“Anything can happen, the situation is very serious,” said an AICC senior leader.
The dramatic events in the Punjab Congress started occurring after the AICC general secretary in-charge of Punjab affairs, Harish Rawat announced the CLP meeting last night. A no-confidencemotion by the rebel group against Capt Amarinder was expected. However, hours before the CLP meet, CM was asked to put in his papers.
As the reports of Capt’s resignation aired, the latter alerted Sonia Gandhi that he “can’t continue with such humiliation.” After his statement, he also summoneda meeting of loyalists and said he’s most likely to quit congress.
Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, Vijay Inder Singla, Balbir Sidhu, Gurpreet Kangar, Braham Mahindera, OP Soni, and Rana Gurmeet Sodhi were among the ministers present at the meeting at the ChiefMinister's residence. Amarinder Singh's residence was also visited by around 12 Punjab MLAs.
Latest update: Capt Amrinder will address a press conference after his resignation. “Punjab Chief Minister @capt_amarinder will address a press conference at Punjab Raj Bhawan Gateat 4:30 pm,” tweeted Raveen Thukral, media advisor to CM.