Sidhu reaches out to party leaders

Chandigarh, July 17

After apparently getting an indication that the party high command is likely to appoint him as the new PPCC president, Navjot Sidhu has stepped up his efforts to take on board former state party chiefs and other leaders.

The move is being seen as a way to counter the regrouping of old guard by the CM’s camp. The cricketer-turned-politician met four ex-presidents — Partap Bajwa, Shamsher Dullo, Sunil Jakhar and Lal Singh — in the last two days. Talking to The Tribune, Bajwa said it was a courtesy call and nothing beyond it. Sources said during a recent meeting with party chief Sonia Gandhi, Sidhu had been categorically told that he should reach out to the party’s rank and file, besides meeting all important leaders.

The CM’s camp is viewing it as a show of strength by Sidhu. “If the CM camp is regrouping to consolidate its position, Sidhu has also started meeting MLAs and leaders to counter the attack,” said a senior leader.

As the CM met Punjab affairs in charge Harish Rawat at the former’s farmhouse, there was a flurry of activity as Sidhu met ministers Balbir Singh, Gurpreet Kangar, Sukhjinder Randhawa, besides meeting veteran party leader Lal Singh and a number of MLAs — Pargat Singh, Raja Warring, Davinder Ghubaya, Darshan Brar, Barindermeet Pahra, Kulbir Zira, Surjit Singh Dhiman, Pritam Kotbhai and Satkar Kaur. Calling the visit a welcome sign, Jakhar said the party had to put a united face for the 2022 Assembly elections. — TNS

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.