Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, July 2

In the working formula being adopted by the Congress high command to bring CM Capt Amarinder Singh and his former Cabinet colleague Navjot Sidhu on the same page, the Amritsar MLA is learnt to have been offered the post of campaign committee chairman ahead of the Assembly polls.

Why the delay?

Sources say decision on related issues such as Cabinet reshuffle, reconstituting the PPCC balancing the caste and community matrix, addressing aspirations of dissident ministers and MLAs who had questioned the CM on unfulfilled poll promises and roadmap for Assembly elections is taking time. Balancing CM and Sidhu is one aspect of the exercise.

An indication to this effect was made by AICC general secretary and Punjab affairs in charge Harish Rawat. “For the benefit of the party, the CM and Sidhu will work together. Like other leaders, Sidhu will be given a crucial role like campaign committee chairman to ensure the party returns to power. The high command has to decide on the issue,” he said, refusing to share further details.

It is learnt in the last meeting between party leader Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu, the cricketer-turned-politician has been updated on the role(s) the party leadership is considering for him. The post of Deputy CM with departments of his choice may also be offered to him, subject to his consent. The party president will consult the CM before making any formal announcement.

“After considering all options and inputs from veteran leaders, the leadership has zeroed in on Sidhu’s role, to which the CM will have no objection. Effort will be to give Sidhu a post where he can work independently and also be involved in other committees. Once the party returns to power, Sidhu may be at the helm. But for the moment, he has been told to exercise restraint,” said a veteran leader.

It has been further pointed out that most of the issues mentioned in the 18-point agenda handed down to the CM had also been flagged by Sidhu. “If the CM has started addressing the issues pointed out by Sidhu, the latter should have no problem assuming the responsibility being offered,” said a leader from Punjab, who had also been consulted by the top brass to end the crisis. Sidhu is learnt to have returned to Patiala on Friday evening.