CHANDIGARH – A day after Navjot Singh Sidhu met CM Capt Amarinder Singh at the latter’s farmhouse in Siswan, the CM hinted at political rehabilitation of the former cricketer into the Cabinet soon.
Without specifying the exact role for Sidhu, the CM said everyone in the government wanted him to be part of the team. “The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere yesterday. Everyone wants Sidhu to be part of the team. I hope he decides on joining back soon. Before that he has sought some time,” he said.
Sources close to the Chief Minister said Sidhu wanted to meet the party high command and senior party leadership in Delhi before joining back the government. It is learnt that everything would be clear by March 31. The CM was not keen on a major Cabinet reshuffle at this juncture as the next Assembly elections were due early next year.
In the given circumstances, the options before Sidhu to align with any other party are limited. After hectic parleys between Punjab affairs in charge Harish Rawat and Sidhu, if the latter settles for the same position at which he left, he would try to seek an assurance from the central party leadership, Rawat and the CM on his status if the party returns to power in 2022.
Going beyond Sidhu, the CM said he would be happy to have Partap Singh Bajwa and Shamsher Dhullo as part of the team. “While everyone has his/her own ambitions, it is up to the Congress president to decide. In a difficult hour, you have to set aside your own ambitions and stand with the party,” he said.
On speculation that Sidhu would seek the post of Deputy Chief Minister or PPCC president, the CM said: “The decision has to be taken by the party president, not me or Sunil Jakhar.” In a lighter vein, he said: “If Sidhu wants my job, he can have it.”
To a question on him leading the party and being its CM face in 2022, Capt Amarinder said it was for the AICC president to decide. On Prashant Kishor’s appointment, he said in a democracy every leader and party had a team of strategists.
Can take my job if he wants: CM
On speculation that Navjot Sidhu would seek the post of Deputy Chief Minister or PPCC president, CM Capt Amarinder Singh said: “The decision has to be taken by the party president, not me or Sunil Jakhar.”
In a lighter vein, he said: “If Sidhu wants my job, he can have it.”
Going beyond Sidhu, the CM said he would be happy to have Partap Singh Bajwa and Shamsher Dhullo as part of the team.
“While everyone has his/her own ambitions, it is up to the Congress chief to decide. In a difficult hour, you have to set aside your ambitions and stand with the party,” he said.
