Punjab Congress Crisis stands nearly resolved as CM CaptAmarinder Singh on Saturday agreed to the elevation of his former colleague,Navjot Sidhu as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) Chief perhaps oncertain conditions.
These conditions, however, include that Navjot Sidhu willhave to issue a public apology to Capt Amarinder for making derogatory remarks aswell as Punjab CM has made it clear that his ‘position’ should in no way beundermined in the party affairs.
Even Capt took arms against Navjot Sidhu for quite manytimes over his ‘liberal’ working style, the former in his meeting with Congressgeneral secretary and in-charge Punjab political affairs, Harish Rawat onceagain reiterated that Capt would abide by Sonia Gandhi’s decision, whatever itmight be.
However, Punjab CM’s dynamic transformation in hisperspective has put political lobbyists in a state of worry as it could proveas a deficit for the Congress High Command. According to the sources, somespeculations are being made however, it is still time to wait and watch the oldguard’s next move.
Here are the five significant possibilities that couldshatter Punjab Congress with Capt’s next move:
1. AsCapt Amarinder Singh shares a cordial relation with PM Narendra Modi, theformer could utilize this friendship to get the farmers’ protest over thecontentiously passed three farm laws sorted. Notably, BJP’s future in PunjabAssembly Elections is bleak as the govt is adamant to repeal the farm laws andthis has also affected the party’s relationship with the age-old ally SAD ahead of2022 Assembly Elections.
In order to sustain in Punjab, BJP is keenly looking fora strong candidate to be the face of the party. Amidst this, Capt can be a strongleader for the BJP. It is to be reiterated here, prior to the 2017 AssemblyElections, Capt Amarinder Singh had said he deliberated to join BJP, thoughlater there were no talks on it.
If Capt Amarinder Singh manages to bring PM Modi on reconciliationover the farmers’ demands and can legally assure the Minimum Support Price(MSP) for the farmers’ then it could be favorable for both Capt and BJP forfuture logistics. Notably, Punjab CMonce again on July 16 had asked PM Modi to reinitiate meetings to end the deadlockwith protesting farmers.
2. Itis being anticipated by the political lobbyists that Capt Amarinder Singh wouldwait for Navjot Sidhu’s true colors to be exposed to the public. The currentthe longstanding feud between Capt- Sidhu has created a wedge among the leaders andthey both have their own supportive camps.
Although Sidhu has tried his hands to get all the party leadersalong with him after Harish Rawat gave him clear signs to crown him as PPCC Chief,it will be evident to see how far will Sidhu be able to work collectively?
Taking cognizance of Sidhu’s working style which is ‘liberal’it seems hard that he will manage to bring all leaders on board with him. Thus,Capt will wait for the time, expectedly as early by the next year, when Sidhu’sinefficiency to lead party unit will be exposed. This, according to sources,will once again insist the High Command choose the old guard as the partychief.
Pertinently, in today’s meeting, Harish Rawat has assuredCapt Amarinder Singh that Sidhu will not intervene in Cabinet or govt’sworking and will only look at the after organizational structure. If Sidhuinterferes with the govt’s functioning, Capt will grab an opportunity to takehim down from the position.
3. At the time of Assembly Elections 2002 and 2007, Capt Amarinder had received asignificant support from the rural areas of the state. Then, Capt used to takedigs at the SAD govt as Navjot Sidhu now does. His speeches were full of aggression,which reflected his diligent working style.
Capt’s former avatar still persists in the memories of Punjabis and now it is being said Capt’s behaviorhas changed. During his current term, Congress leaders have reportedly allegedthat Capt has now developed a soft corner for the Badal family. He has even beenaccused of not keeping up with party leaders and ministers, thus, shows thatCapt has failed to bring contentment within Punjab Congress.
4. Accordingto the political lobbyists, after being appointed as state unit President Sidhucould land himself in his own trap. Despite being out of the political affairs,the would-be PPCC Chief has left no stone unturned to raise his voice over the unfulfilledpromises made by the Capt govt to win 2017 elections which include bringingjustice in Bargari Desecration Case, Drugs, Sand and Transport mafia. Now, itwill be evident to see when Sidhu will come to power will he raise the sameissues with equal fervor or not.
If Sidhu would subdue theseissues, it will make his image taint among the leaders as well as the Punjabis andalso will bring a clash between the government and the organizationalstructure. Moreover, Capt Amarinder will get a chance to raise his voiceagainst Sidhu in front of the high command.
There are chances that Sidhumight hear from the public that he made use of these issues for coronationonly.
5. Apparently,even if Sidhu becomes the party president, the discord will not end as it would bring up certain otherfactors of discontentment. Viewing the election, the imminent is the electioncontesting ticket distribution which is likely to create a state of disequilibriumbetween the govt and the organizational structure’s representatives. AsNavjot Sidhu has formed a rebellious group with over 6 ministers and someleaders ahead of Assembly Elections, Capt Amarinder Singh is afraid that itcould harm the interest of his aides when election tickets will be distributed.