Capt meets Rahul; Sidhu not discussed

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 21

Amid the suspense over the political future of former BJPMP Navjot Singh Sidhu, the Congress today held a high-level meeting here to discuss the ticket distribution timeline for poll-bound Punjab and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s campaign schedule for the state.

At the meeting between Rahul, Punjab Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh and party incharge for Punjab Asha Kumari, no discussion was held on Sidhu.

While Awaaz-e-Punjab leaders again reiterated they were in talks with the “Congress high command”, Asha Kumari told The Tribune, “The Congress high command is party chief Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Neither of the two is talking to Sidhu. He has never approached the Congress. The Congress is not in talks with him.”

The Congress, however, said Sidhu was welcome to join the party, but like the others who joined in the recent past, he would have to come unconditionally. The Manpreet Badal-led PPP, SAD (Longowal) and Akali lawmaker Inderbir Bolaria all joined the Congress unconditionally. Amarinder said, “We had a good meeting with Rahul. Sidhu was not on the discussion table. We debated our strategies. We have made it clear that the Congress will not discuss seat-sharing with individuals.”

The Congress, meanwhile, moved ahead on ticket distribution today with the Punjab Election Committee list being sent to Sonia for approval.

“We are seeking an early constitution of the state ticket-screening committee, state manifesto committee and Punjab manifesto drafting committee,” Asha said.

She said the Congress was planning a meeting of senior Punjab leaders in Delhi to chalk out Rahul’s state campaign schedule. The meeting may be held on October 23.