Sunil Jakhar likely to head Punjab Congress poll campaign panel
Rajmeet Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 14
The Punjab Congress could have three faces as the party launches its campaign for the Assembly elections expected early next year. Apart from CM Charanjit Channi and PCC chief Navjot Sidhu, the AICC could give the key post of campaign committee president to former state unit head Sunil Jakhar.
Going with 3 faces
- Congress high command appears unwilling to rely on Navjot Singh Sidhu alone
- Charanjit Channi is also being prepared for electioneering beyond Punjab
Party leaders privy to the discussions said apart from AICC observer Harish Chaudhary, who could soon be the new Punjab affairs incharge, the high command could give a significant responsibility related to the Punjab elections to Krishna Allavru, a Rahul Gandhi confidant.
Discussions on the appointments are learnt to have been held at a meeting held in Delhi today between Sidhu, Rawat and AICC general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal. “Given the manner in which Sidhu has been handling various issues, it becomes imperative for the party leadership to undertake micro-management of poll strategy,” said a senior party leader.
With the new list of PCC office-bearers yet to be sent to the AICC for approval, the party’s top leadership is learnt to have told Sidhu to concentrate on strengthening the state unit. A senior leader said to bring cohesion between the government and the party (read Sidhu), the top leadership had started directly interacting with the MLAs and other leaders. “The top brass did not want to rely on Sidhu alone. Moreover, Channi is also being prepared for electioneering beyond Punjab,” he said.
