Sidhu Resigns, Plunging Congress Into Another, Bigger Crisis
Editor-in-Chief of indiacommentary.com. Current Affairs analyst and political commentator.
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By Sunil Garodia
First publised on 2021-09-28 16:23:38
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Editor-in-Chief of indiacommentary.com. Current Affairs analyst and political commentator.
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The maverick in Navjot Singh Sidhu once again rose to the surface as he resigned as Punjab PCC chief within two months of being appointed to the post despite objections from Capt. Amarinder Singh and other senior leaders of the party in the state. Such was the hold of Sidhu over the Gandhi siblings that he had his way. But it is now clear (although it was clear earlier too) that Sidhu wants complete freedom in taking decisions - something that is not possible in a political party like the Congress unless you belong to The Family. The Gandhis are reportedly surprised at Sidhu's decision, which means that he did not have the courtesy to discuss it with them, as is the norm in a democratic party.
The resignation came just two days after a new cabinet was sworn-in and some changes were made in the administration that ostensibly did not please Sidhu. In particular, it is being speculated that Sidhu was offended that his objection to the appointment of the allegedly 'tainted' Rana Gurjit Singh as a minister was brushed aside. He was also miffed that his rival S S Randhawa was given an important ministry. The immediate trigger seems to be the appointment of APS Deol as Advocate General since Deol is the standing counsel for former DGP Sumedh Saini who is under fire for his role in the 'sacrilege' case, something that is close to Sidhu's heart and over which he had a continuous slanging match with Amarinder Singh. Since in his resignation letter Sidhu said he cannot 'compromise' on Punjab's future, it is obvious that the high command was making him accept certain political and administrative appointments that were not to his liking.
Newly appointed minister Razia Sultana also resigned from the cabinet showing solidarity with Sidhu, so did the treasurer of the state PCC, Gulzar Inder Chahal. While newly appointed chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi refused to comment on the issue, deposed chief minister Capt. Amarinder Singh was quick to say that Sidhu was "unstable" and he had already warned that he was not fit to hold any position in a border state like Punjab. There was also no immediate comment from the Gandhis, shocked as they are for betting on an unpredictable person just before the elections in the state. Even as the appointment of Channi was widely hailed and the swearing-in of the cabinet, despite some high-pitched drama, was also seen as a signal that the party was getting a grip, Sidhu's resignation has exposed the fault lines in the state set up. The crisis has deepened and it remains to be seen what the high command does now.
