In a significant development, the former Punjab Congress chief, Navjot Singh Sidhu, known for his parallel displays of influence in the state, was conspicuously missing from the crucial first meeting of the Punjab Congress’ election committee for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Thursday.
Sidhu, instead, convened a separate meeting with three former state party presidents including Mohinder Singh Kaypee, Shamsher Singh Dullo and Laal Singh. Taking to social media platform X, Sidhu shared a photo of the gathering and captioned it, “Four former PCC Presidents – discussion on the present Political Situation!!!”
Sources revealed that the meeting took place at Lal Singh’s residence in Patiala. However, former Punjab Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, a member of the State Congress election panel, left the gathering early to attend the official party meeting in Chandigarh. Bhattal later claimed that she went to Lal Singh’s residence after receiving news of his son’s illness.
Shamsher Singh Dullo dismissed the meeting’s political nature, stating it was a lunch gathering of old colleagues. Mohinder Singh Kaypee, also a member of the Punjab Congress election panel, was notably absent from the Chandigarh meeting and could not be reached for comment.
The official meeting, chaired by Bhakta Charan Das through video conferencing, included members Neeraj Dangi and Ambika Soni. Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and several other leaders were also absent from the election panel meeting.
During the meeting, concerns were raised about discipline and absenteeism, prompting Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring to assure action against those engaging in indiscipline. The party emphasized the need for members to suggest prospective candidates for the 13 constituencies in the state within a couple of days.
A departure from previous practices, the screening committee will conduct surveys on suggested candidates based on winnability prospects. The issue of an alliance with AAP was discussed, with Punjab Congress leaders expressing opposition whereas Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann already announced that AAP would contest all 13 seats in the state.
The screening committee aims to expedite the candidate finalization process, with the chairman likely to visit Punjab soon. Additionally, two other meetings were held at Punjab Congress Bhawan, focusing on district presidents and preparations for Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge’s visit on February 11.
Party leaders were instructed to deploy one lakh Congress flags across constituencies ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The move signals the party’s concerted efforts to gear up for the electoral battle in Punjab.