Navjot Singh Sidhu to remain as Punjab Congress Chief as he withdraws resignation

Sidhu had resigned as President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee shortly after the formation of a new cabinet headed by Punjab’s Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who had replaced Capt. Amarinder Singh for the post in September. 

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday, November 5 stated that he has withdrawn his resignation from the post of Congress’ Punjab unit President. During a press conference, Sidhu assured that he will resume charge in the office when a new Advocate General for Punjab is appointed. 

The development comes days after Punjab’s Chief Minister and Sidhu settled their differences on Tuesday, November 2 over the allocation of certain portfolios in the government headed by Channi, stating that they would fight the upcoming Assembly elections in Punjab together. 

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“I have been talking to CM Channi,” Sidhu stated on Tuesday, adding that he had no differences with him. He further disclosed that Channi had assured him that a new panel on the DGP will be formed and the issue will be settled in a week.” However, no decision has been made so far. 

Sidhu had resigned as President of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee shortly after the formation of a new cabinet headed by Punjab’s Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who had replaced Capt. Amarinder Singh for the post in September. 

A crucial reason behind Sidhu’s resignation was the appointment of APS Deol as Punjab’s Advocate General on September 27. The opposition to the appointment stemmed from Deol’s involvement with DGP Sumedh Singh Saini, who he had ascertained a blanket bail in four cases filed by police authorities in Punjab related to the sacrilege and police firing on protestants. 

Sidhu, during the press conference, stated that the positions of Advocate General and Director General of Police are vital to put an end to the issues of Bargari sacrilege and drugs in Punjab, adding that the removal of Deol and Saini are demands of the party.

Earlier on Monday, Sidhu had criticised Channi for the lack of action in replacing the Advocate General. He had also raised questions on the announcement of SOPs by the government months before the Assembly polls. Soon after Sidhu’s comments on Monday, the resignation of APS Deol which was reportedly in the works was put on hold.