Impulsive politician who fought a long leadership battle with the veteran party leader Amarinder Singh and was instrumental in his ouster as chief minister, stunned everyone as he stepped down from his post on Tuesday. Punjab Congress chief.
Amarinder, who was unceremoniously removed from the post of chief minister and openly talked about his humiliation, took a dig at Sidhu, “I told you so… He is not a stable person and is on the border of Punjab. Not suitable for the state.”
Sidhu wrote a letter to Sonia
In an unexpected move that seems to have bogged down the party, Sidhu wrote to interim Congress president Sonia Gandhi to announce his resignation.
In his letter to Sonia Gandhi, he said, “The downfall of a man’s character comes from a compromise corner, I can never compromise on the future of Punjab and the agenda of Punjab’s welfare.”
“Therefore, I resign as the President of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. Will continue to serve the Congress,” he wrote.
The letter gave little clue as to what prompted Sidhu to take this step.
However, there were indications that Sidhu was unhappy with the induction of some ministers and the portfolios allotted to him by Chief Minister Channi.
Responding to these reports, CM Channi said, “If he is angry then it will be resolved… Though he is not angry with me.”
Punjab minister Razia Sultana resigns in ‘solidarity’ with Sidhu
Hours after Sidhu’s resignation, Punjab minister Razia Sultana tendered her resignation in “solidarity” with the former Congress president of the state.
Sultana is considered close to Sidhu and her husband Mohammad Mustafa, a former IPS officer, is the Congress leader’s principal strategic advisor.
In his resignation letter to Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the minister said, “I, Razia Sultana, resign as Cabinet Minister of Punjab in solidarity with PPCC President Navjot Singh Sidhu and lakhs of Congress workers across the state.”
“I will continue to work for the party as a worker in the best interest of Punjab. Heartfelt thanks to Sonia Gandhi ji, Hon’ble Congress President, and Rahul Gandhi ji for their innumerable blessings on me and my family in our time of need ” ‘ he said in his resignation letter.
Two other Congress leaders also resigned from party posts in support of Sidhu.
Opposition parties attack Congress
With assembly elections in the state just months away, the opposition stepped up its attack on the Congress over the fresh crisis.
Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the main opposition party in the state, was quick to pit Sidhu against the Dalit chief minister.
AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj told reporters, “This shows that Navjot Singh Sidhu is against Dalits. A poor son was made the chief minister. This Sidhu could not tolerate. It is very sad.”
AAP Punjab co-in-charge Raghav Chadha termed it as “a state of complete and complete anarchy in the Punjab Congress”.
“How can the people of Punjab expect these selfish leaders to give a stable, progressive and inclusive administration? How can these people be trusted with a state having a border of 550 km with Pakistan?” Chadha tweeted.
’emotional response’
The Congress leadership has called Sidhu’s letter an “emotional response” and is confident that all will be well.
However, some leaders of Punjab Congress are already targeting him.
Sunil Jakhar slams Sidhu for his “fantastic position”
“It’s not just cricket! What has been compromised throughout this ‘episode’ is the trust the (outgoing?) PCC president has been put by the Congress leadership. Cannot justify this violation of ..,” Jakhar tweeted.
It’s not just cricket! What has been compromised throughout this ‘episode’ is the (outgoing?) trust implied in P… https://t.co/SulhM5f900.
— Sunil Jakhar (@sunilkjakhar) 16328427999000
(with inputs from agencies)
Watch Navjot Singh Sidhu resigns from the post of Punjab Congress President, another round of instability in the party
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