Navjot Singh Sidhu calls on Punjab CM, seeks quick action in sacrilege, drug cases

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 27

In his first formal meeting with Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday handed over a letter to him, demanding action on five key issues, including sacrilege and drugs.

The Chief Minister was quick to tell him that all key issues of concern raised by him were already in advanced stages of resolution by his government. The meeting happened after Sidhu had sought time from the CM.

In political circles, the meeting is being seen as an effort by the party leadership to strike a conciliatory note between the two leaders, who apparently looked at unease at the recently held installation ceremony.

However, the CM’s reply to Sidhu’s assertion demanding immediate action on the longstanding issues is being seen as a counter to the letter mentioning in the foot note that “nothing great was ever achieved without an act of decision. We request you to act immediately”.

In the hour-long meeting, Sidhu was accompanied by his four working presidents — Kuljit Nagra, Sangat Singh Gilzian, Sukhwinder Danny and Pawan Goel. Local Bodies Minister Brahm Mohindra and Finance Minister Manpreet Badal were also present in the meeting held at the Punjab Civil Secretariat.

After deliberations with party workers, Sidhu in his letter mentioned the five priority areas — punishing the perpetrators of sacrilege, catching big fish involved in drug trafficking, complete rejection of the central farm laws, cancelling the power purchase agreements and opening doors of discussion with the protesting employees.

The CM, in an official statement, said his government had already implemented most of the promises made to the people in the 2016-17 party election manifesto, and the other pending issues were also being resolved. His government was committed to implementing all poll promises, Capt Amarinder said, describing the meeting with PCC leaders as cordial.

Capt urges PCC leaders to work as team

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh told PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and working presidents that “we need to work together in the interest of the state”. He offered to meet PCC leaders on a regular basis to ensure better coordination.

Seeks time to meet Congress president

The Chief Minister is learnt to have sought appointment with Congress president Sonia Gandhi. He is likely to take up the progress of various issues flagged by the party high command under the 18-point agenda. Sources did not rule out discussion on the Cabinet reshuffle during the meeting

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.