Lakhimpur : In Punjab, the power tussle is far from over even after the Congress removed Captain Amarinder Singh from the chief minister’s post. The party high command is trying to focus on setting its house in order ahead of the 2022 Punjab Assembly election, a viral video of Navjot Singh Sidhu has made it clear that the path ahead for Punjab Congress is not going to be smooth.
The video is from Zirakpur of Punjab from where Sidhu started the party’s march towards Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh. In the video, Sidhu was seen waiting for CM Charanjit Singh Channi, with his close aide and cabinet minister Pargat Singh and Punjab Congress working president Sukhwinder Singh Danny. Sidhu was upset because he was made to wait for CM Channi before starting the protest march. Sidhu was heard saying that they were waiting for Channi for so long.
The former cricketer – whose threat to quit last month left the Congress scrambling, particularly since the party had backed him in his bitter and public feud with former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh – was then caught on camera criticising his party.
The video in question shows Sidhu’s close aide and Cabinet Minister Pargat Singh trying to pacify him by saying Channi would join them soon. Danny tells him that the march will be a success. “This event is a success… aaj to balle balle ho gayi,” said Pargat Singh.
To this, Sidhu replied, “Where is the success now? Had they allowed Bhagwant Sidhu’s son to lead, then I would have shown them success….Congress is in a dying stage.” Sidhu further said that Channi will sink Congress in 2022. Notably, Punjab will go to the polls in 2022. “He (Channi) will sink the Congress in 2022,” said Sidhu while using an expletive for CM Channi.
It’s really Shameful act when @sherryontopp was abusing to Hon’ble CM Pb. @CHARANJITCHANNI .
I can’t understand that So called @INCIndia’s highest command @RahulGandhi @priyankagandhi & @harishrawatcmuk still sleeping or helping @narendramodi to make India #CongressMukat pic.twitter.com/LbnjLxqbHT— Varinder S Brar (@VBrarINC) October 7, 2021
The remark has also been condemned by the opposition Akali Dal, which has said it showed Sidhu’s lack of respect for the Dalit community. The Akalis have also declared the comment had revealed the Congress’ “caste card” – ahead of the election – had been exposed.
“Persons who keep own ambition above people’s welfare cannot give any direction to the state. They stand exposed… Congress President Sonia Gandhi should tell Punjabis why she tried to fool them by making a Scheduled Caste Chief Minister… but simultaneously reposes faith in Sidhu,” Akali Dal leader Dr Daljit Singh Cheema said.
Daljit also said that Amarinder Singh had repeatedly warned the Congress to not trust Sidhu, and declared that he was committed to ensuring his rival did not ascend to his former post.
The viral video made it clear that Sidhu wanted to be CM of Punjab
Sidhu had taken out this march for putting up his demand of arresting Minister’s son Ashish Mishra in Lakhimpur incidence which took lives of eight people.
Sidhu ended his hunger protest as Ashish Mishra has reached Lakhimpur Crime Branch and has appeared before police. He was protesting at residence of deceased journalist Raman Kashyap in the Nighasan area of Lakhimpur Kheri demanding arrest.
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