Chandigarh: Unexpected political drama unfolded in Punjab with the resignation of Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Navjot Singh Sidhu.

His resignation has been seen as the major embracement to Gandhi's siblings, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Both have played a major role in appointing outspoken former cricketer turned politician Navjot Singh Sidhu as Punjab Congress President despite stiff opposition from former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. 

Despite strong opposition from party senior leaders, Gandhi siblings have decided to appoint Mr. Sidhu as PPCC chief. Congress has received double political jolts, firstly with resignation of Captain Amarinder Singh from the CM post, now exit of Mr. Sidhu from PPCC post. 

Sidhu's resignation came just after Congress veteran and former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh leaving  Delhi to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah. 

There is no specific reason for his resignation; however, his resignation letter addressed to Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi stated that "the collapse of a man’s character stems from the compromise corner, I can never compromise on Punjab’s future and the agenda for the welfare of Punjab. Therefore, I hereby resign as President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. Will continue to serve the Congress”, Mr. Sidhu wrote Sonia Gandhi. 

In response to quitting his betenoir, former chief minister Amarinder Singh tweeted that “I told you so…he is not a stable man and not fit for the border state of Punjab”. 

Mr. Amarinder Singh was vehemently opposed to the anointment of Mr. Sidhu as PPCC Chief on July 18, 2021. After the appointment of Mr. Sidhu, quick political developments unfolded in the border state.  Sidhu openly criticized the style of functioning of Captain Amarinder Singh and demanded for his ouster from the CM post. Mr. Sidhu also held a parallel meeting with Congress legislators.

‘Humiliated’ with calling of Congress legislature party meeting with his absence, Mr. Amarinder Singh resigns to CM post on September 18, After that Mr. Sidhu prevailed party high command to appoint party Dalit leader Charanjit Singh Channi as the new Chief Minister, subsequently, 17 ministers of Channi cabinet have taken the oath.  

However, the resignation of Mr. Sidhu came as a big surprise to the party high command and Punjab Congress. Also, the resignation of Mr. Sidhu has a big setback to Congress in general and the Gandhi family in particular as just four months left for Assembly elections in Punjab. 

Amarinder likely hold talks with Shah 

Meanwhile, Mr. Amarinder Singh is likely to hold talks with BJP top brasses in Delhi. Mr. Singh is likely to meet Mr. Amit Shah, BJP National President J.P. Nadda. BJP top leaders are keen to induct Mr. Amarinder Singh into the party.  

Soon after quitting the CM post, Mr. Amarinder Singh openly challenged the party's high command that he will see to defeat the ‘anti-national’ Navjot Singh Sidhu in the coming Assembly elections.