The City Headlines
Ludhiana, February 4
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Navjot Singh Sidhu took a dig at the Congress high-command on Friday and said that the “people at the top” wanted a weak Chief Minister.
It is to be noted that Navjot Singh Sidhu’s comments came days before Congress has scheduled to announce the Chief Minister face in Punjab.
Charanjit Singh Channi has said that the party high-command will announce its CM face for Punjab, on February 6. Charanjit Singh Channi and Navjot Singh Sidhu are in the race to become Congress’ CM face in Punjab.
While addressing the party workers and his supporters in Amritsar, Navjot Singh Sidhu said, “If a new Punjab has to be made, it is in Chief Minister’s hands. Voters have to choose this time. The people at the top want to make a weak CM who can dance to their tunes. Do you want such a Chief Minister?”
Speculations of Channi becoming Congress’ CM candidate
There were several speculations that Charanjit Singh Channi may become Congress’ Chief Minister face as he is contesting elections from two assembly constituencies- Bhadaur and Chamkaur Sahib. On the other hand, Navjot Singh Sidhu will fight elections from Amritsar East seat against arch-rival from Shiromani Akali Dal- Bikram Majithia.
Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Punjab said that the party will announce its Chief Minister face soon.
Congress’ survey to choose CM face
Congress is conducting a survey to choose its Chief Minister face in Punjab. The party is seeking opinions from workers, MLAs, MPs and also the general public to select its Chief Minister candidate.
Sunil Jakhar supporting Charanjit Singh Channi
Former Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Sunil Jakhar seems to be in Charanjit Singh Channi’s support. On Friday, he reportedly said that Charanjit Singh Channi was elected as the Chief Minister and he should be given some more time so that he continues his work.
In September 2021, Charanjit Singh Channi was elected as the Chief Minister when Captain Amarinder Singh stepped down from his post and left Congress. Charanjit Singh Channi became the first Chief Minister in Punjab from the SC community.
The opposition parties claimed that it was a way to attract the SC community as more than 32 percent of the vote share in Punjab is of the SC community.
