Punjab Congress crisis: Navjot Singh Sidhu is now Congress’s Punjab unit president (File)
New Delhi:
Former Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar this morning took a jibe at the party’s state in-charge Harish Rawat, questioning the support of Navjot Sidhu (and his leadership role ahead of next year’s elections). Charanjit Channi takes oath as the new Chief Minister.
Mr Jakhar, whom sources had indicated was considered as Amarinder Singh’s replacement, said Mr Rawat’s statement – that the party would contest under Sidhu’s leadership – was “shocking”.
“On the day of Charanjit Channi’s swearing-in as Chief Minister, Mr. Rawat’s statement that “the elections will be fought under Sidhu’s leadership”, is shocking. This is likely to dilute the authority of the Chief Minister (nominee), but is very ‘ Rajan’. ‘Etre’ of his selection for the post,” he tweeted.
Shu’s swearing-in day @Charnjit_channi As Chief Minister, Mr. Rawat’s statement that “the elections will be fought under Sidhu’s leadership” is shocking. This is likely to undermine the authority of the Chief Minister, but will also negate the ‘ration d’etre’ of his selection for the post.
— Sunil Jakhar (@sunilkjakhar) September 20, 2021
He told NDTV, “Harish Rawat’s statement is weakening the party… It is time to strengthen Channi, so this statement is not correct. The (party) has made it clear that both Sidhu and Channi are in the party. will have faces.”
He congratulated Mr Channi and his deputies (OP Soni and Sukhjinder Randhawa), and praised Rahul Gandhi for good measure: “RahulYes He raised his stature even more by making Channi the Chief Minister.
Mr Jakhar also told NDTV: “I was not in the race (to be named chief minister), but dismissed suggestions that were not considered because he is not a Sikh.
Rajya Sabha MP Ambika Soni, widely seen as the Congress’ first choice for the hot seat, had earlier warned Mr. The “Influence” of a Non-Sikh Punjab Chief Minister before the election.
Jakhar insisted, “People are saying I am not a Sikh… But when I was the state unit and the legislature party president, where was the question? I was not in the race… I am not even an MLA. ” .
Charanjit Channi took oath as the Chief Minister of Punjab today
On Sunday, after Mr Channi was announced as the new leader of the party’s legislative body, Mr Rawat told news agency ANI that next year’s election will be fought under the leadership of Mr Sidhu, who is currently Congress’s state chief. ; Mr Rawat called the former cricketer “very popular”.
“It (the party’s chief ministerial candidate) will be decided by the Congress President, but given the circumstances, the election will be contested with the Chief Minister’s cabinet (and) under the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, which is headed by Navjot Singh Sidhu, who is very popular,” he said.
Mr Rawat also said Mr Channi’s nomination was approved unanimously – something the Congress wanted, to ensure maximum internal support for the new chief minister.
Sources had said that Sunil Jakhar was in the race to become the new chief minister.
that first Tweeted in praise of Rahul Gandhi – Praising Amarinder Singh for his “courageous leadership” after convening a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party, or CLP, in the wake of his resignation.
Amarinder Singh’s resignation comes after a long and bitter standoff with Navjot Sidhu. Their feud is linked to the 2017 election; Mr Sidhu was expected to become deputy chief minister, but Mr Singh declined.
NS The rift grew sharply in recent weeks And a Tenius Truce Unresolved Following the statements of Mr Sidhu’s advisors. Last month, fresh complaints against Mr. Singh set the stage for the drama.
Outgoing Minister of Technical Education, Charanjit Channi will be the first Dalit Sikh Chief Minister of Punjab When he will take oath at 11 am. An MLA from Rupnagar’s Chamkaur Sahib constituency, he was elected to the state’s top post on Saturday after “humiliated” Amarinder Singh stepped down.
Skeptics have put Mr. Channi’s promotion into vote bank math; He will be the chief minister in an electoral state where Dalits constitute an estimated 31 per cent of the population. The possibility of the Akali Dal joining with Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party also played a role in the Congress’ decision.
ANI. with the input of
.