Navjot Singh Sidhu camp resents ‘targeting’ of certain MLAs

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 4

Disquiet is not yet over in the Punjab Congress. Even as Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has clarified there are no two power centres and that he and PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu have to work as a team, party leaders in the Sidhu camp are peeved at certain MLAs being “singled out” for their alleged complicity in illegal activities.

Recently, Ghanaur MLA Madan Lal Jalalpur and Bhagapurana legislator Darshan Singh Brar’s son were in the news for their alleged role in illegal activities. It is being argued by party leaders that instead of going against the MLAs who have rallied behind Sidhu, action should be taken across the board.

Sidhu’s visit to Jalalpur’s house today along with ministers Sukhjinder Randhawa and Charanjit Channi, besides MLAs Kulbir Singh Zira, Devinder Ghubaya and Pritam Kotbhai, is being seen as a clear message to detractors not to trouble party MLAs. Sidhu, during his Moga visit on Thrusday, is expected to pat the back of MLA Brar.

Randhawa in a veiled reference to those targeting MLAs backing the Sidhu camp, said the “black sheep” in the party would not be tolerated, adding no one would be allowed to divide the party.

Only recently, Randhawa had written to the CM seeking a review of the functioning of the Home and Police departments. The Home Department is with the CM.

Referring to the departments, the minister had talked about the prevailing situation of “mistrust and poor handling of Bargari and Kotkapura, by the police”.

On allegations of complicity of some MLAs in sand mining, Channi said he had repeatedly been seeking de-control of sand mining. “Two years ago, I had raised the issue at a Cabinet meeting,” he maintained.

Another party leader claimed there was a delay in release of Rs 10 crore grant to MLAs openly supporting Sidhu. The issue could figure at a meeting between the CM and Sidhu, if it happens.

Singled out over illegal activities

• Leaders argue instead of targeting MLAs who rallied behind Sidhu, government should take action across the board
• MLA Madan Lal Jalalpur and legislator Darshan Singh Brar’s son were in the news for alleged role in illegal activities

No issues between Sidhu, Capt: Ashwani Kumar

Gurdaspur: Former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar on Wednesday said the Congress would be jointly led by PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and CM Capt Amarinder Singh in the Assembly polls. “There are no personal issues between Sidhu and Capt Amarinder,” he said