Punjab rift: Amarinder in charge but space for Sidhu

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: A Congress panel seeking to resolve factionalism in the party’s Punjab unit recommended that chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh retain charge and former minister Navjot Singh Sidhu be accommodated in a key role, as part of proposals to boost the party’s prospects in next year’s assembly polls, senior leaders aware of the developments said on Thursday.

The three-member committee submitted its report to party chief Sonia Gandhi, who will take the final call. The committee made five key recommenda

JAIPUR: At least six MLAS considered close to former Rajasthan deputy CM Sachin Pilot met him on Thursday, and later urged the Congress high command to fill vacant positions in the state cabinet and make key appointments.

The meeting took place after Pilot said the party was yet to resolve the issues that led to his rebellion in July

tions, said a panel member. These include keeping Singh in charge, accommodating Sidhu either in the party or as a minister, 2020 against CM Ashok Gehlot. One of the MLAS also pointed to a Congress panel looking at problems in the Punjab unit, and asked that if issues raised there could be taken up in 10 days, why should the concerns of the Rajasthan unit not be addressed for 10 months. Congress has said it will take up the pending issues soon.

revamping the party organisation, reaching out to marginalised castes, and filling up vacancies to fit in party leaders.