NEW DELHI – Resolution of the Punjab Congress crisis seems imminent with MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu holding long meetings with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra here today. Though Sidhu chose to keep mum, sources close to him described his meeting with Rahul as “incredible.”
There are indications of Sidhu being given an important role in the government or Congress’ organisational setup. A clear picture would emerge in the next two or three days. Sources said Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh was likely to meet party’s top leadership in the coming days.
Earlier in the day, Sidhu tweeted a picture with Priyanka whom he met at her Sujan Singh Park residence.
Sidhu is reportedly keen on steering the Punjab Congress ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections but the CM is opposed to this role for the MLA. Party sources said it was difficult for the Congress to have two Jat Sikh leaders in prominent roles — one as a CM and the other as Pradesh Congress president. While AICC sources said the position of Deputy CM was still available for Sidhu, another source claimed discussions had been held on the possibility of Sidhu being nominated to the Congress central election committee chaired by party president Sonia Gandhi. All through the day, the Gandhis held hectic deliberations. After she met Sidhu, Priyanka along with Sonia left for Rahul Gandhi’s residence where Sidhu was called at 7.25 pm. The meeting ended at 8.45 pm.
Meanwhile, AICC Punjab panel chairman Mallikarjun Kharge held informal talks with Punjab affairs in-charge Harish Rawat.
