Replacement talk rife as Bajwa meets Sonia, Rahul

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 2

Ahead of his likely replacement, embattled Punjab Congress president Partap Bajwa today met party president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Top sources in the party said Bajwa, even if replaced, would not be dumped by the Congress leadership which would accommodate him elsewhere.

Meanwhile, leaders aware of the goings on in Punjab indicated that the state Congress restructuring was likely anytime now. “The restructuring is now a matter of few days. The discussions are at final stages,” said a leader not ruling out a reshuffle announcement this week itself.

Bajwa said he had gone to meet party president to discuss state affairs.

Sonia today met Bajwa after a very long time though she has frequently engaged with former Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh, who led the rebellion against Bajwa in the state. Captain has been demanding PCC’s post for MLA Sunil Jakhar though party leaders feel former Union Minister Ambika Soni could emerge as a consensus candidate.

Party sources described Sonia’s meeting with Bajwa as “indicative of his replacement” and said he might have been called to be taken into confidence about the imminent restructuring with the 2017 state elections in mind.

“Just like Sonia met Captain yesterday, she has met Bajwa today to sort things out before a change is effected. The party has ensured elaborate discussions on restructuring. All leaders have been consulted and taken on board. The immediate attempt is to forge unity,” said a leader.

Congress general secretary in charge of Punjab Shakeel Ahmed said he was away to Chandigarh today. An announcement on Punjab Congress is expected after Shakeel Ahmed returns tomorrow night. Meanwhile, Ahmed denied having received any resignation from Bajwa amid speculations that he may have put in his papers today.

Capt seeks nod to go abroad

Mohali: Capt Amarinder Singh has moved an application in a local court seeking permission to go visit the UK, US and Canada. The application has been kept pending and a decision on it will be taken on Wednesday. It is learnt that the former CM’s plea was opposed by the VB. Capt is facing a case relating to the Amritsar Improvement Trust scam. — OC