Capt Amarinder named Punjab Congress president

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 27

Bringing to an end speculation of months over the leadership of the Punjab Congress, national party chief Sonia Gandhi on Friday appointed Capt Amarinder Singh president of the state Congress committee.

Former Punjab finance minister Lal Singh was appointed senior vice-president, according to a press statement issued by the party.

Ambika Soni was appointed chairperson of the party campaign committee for the 2017 Punjab Assembly elections.

Sadhu Singh Dharamsot will be vice-chairman and Ravneet Singh Bittu convener of the campaign committee.

On Thursday, Partap Singh Bajwa had quit as Punjab Congress president to pave the way for the long-awaited reshuffle of the party in the poll-bound state. He had submitted his resignation along with Sunil Jakhar, who quit as Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader in the Punjab Assembly. The resignations were accepted by Sonia Gandhi the same day.

For now, no name has been announced for the post of CLP leader. More appointments in the party state unit are expected soon.

Capt Amarinder Singh had rebelled against Bajwa, telling Sonia that she would have to effect changes if she wanted the “Congress to win Punjab”. The Congress had lost the 2012 elections in Punjab despite Rahul naming Capt Amarinder as the party's CM candidate.