Jalandhar, October 1
Two recently-appointed ministers from Doaba — Pargat Singh and Sangat Singh Gilzian — perhaps differ on various issues the party is facing at the moment. While Pargat today said the government had committed some mistakes and it was now on course correction, Gilzian said there had been no mistake and that there were just differences of opinion.
They also had a seemingly different stance on Navjot Sidhu’s demand for removing ‘tainted’ ministers from the Cabinet — Rana Gurjeet Singh and Gurkirat Kotli. While Gilzian asserted no minister in the Cabinet should be removed at this stage, Pargat chose to remain mum, but added retaining or removing ministers was a decision to be taken at a higher level.
The ministers today visited Jalandhar for the first time after assuming office. Casting aspersions on the newly formed government and perhaps also CM Charanjit Singh Channi, Pargat said: “Sometimes, a new government tends to make mistakes. We will definitely come together and make those corrections. All issues the party is currently facing and those expected in the coming days will be resolved through the coordination committee.”
Gilzian, asked whether he agreed with Pargat that the government had made mistakes, said: “These are not mistakes. It has been just one week since the new government took over. The new government has been taking some very good initiatives. There are often differences within the party or problems in coordinating at some levels. These will be sorted out soon. No officer is bad.”
On former CM Capt Amarinder Singh’s announcement that he would quit the Congress, Gilzian said he had enjoyed his 22 years in the party on all top posts. “He remained PCC chief for many years. Twice he remained the CM. He made mistakes while remaining in power. At his age, he is not expected to be yearning for more power. The Congress is like a huge sea. It will not get affected by his ouster. People keep joining and leaving parties,” he added. — TNS
Doaba ministers not on same page over decisions
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