Tribune News Service
Gurdaspur, December 26
PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu today surprised his party colleagues by publicly announcing the candidature of three-time MLA Ashwani Sekhri from the Batala Assembly seat even as the process of identifying and finalising the candidates by the Punjab Congress is on. Sidhu was in the city to attend a rally organised by Sekhri.
Takes Swipe at Tript
Some outsiders are trying to poach what is rightfully Sekhri’s due. However, their ill-conceived plans will not be allowed to materialise. Navjot Singh Sidhu, PCC Chief
Sidhu’s declaration warmed the political temperatures on a cold day when rain threatened to play spoilsport. He made it clear “outsiders would not be entertained when it came to selecting the candidate”. This was apparently a reference to Cabinet Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa.
It is well-known in political circles that Bajwa is eyeing this segment. He is the sitting MLA of the neighbouring seat of Fatehgarh Churian. With this, the chances of Tript being fielded from Batala have virtually been nipped in the bud. “As far as Batala is concerned, there is only one candidate and he is Ashwani Sekhri. There is not even an iota of doubt to it. I know some outsiders are trying to poach what is rightfully Sekhri’s due. However, their ill-conceived plans will not be allowed to materialise,” said Sidhu, amid a roar from the crowd.
Observers say the onus is now on the PCC chief to ensure Sekhri actually gets the ticket. “Sidhu has made the announcement at a public rally. From now onwards, at every party forum, the PCC chief will have to strongly back Sekhri if he has to keep his word and reputation,” said a sitting Congress MLA.
Apart from the latest push made by the PCC chief, Sekhri is known to enjoy good ties with the party high command and certain AICC bigwigs.
Some trade unions holding black flags tried to make their way into the venue but were their attempts were thwarted by the police force led by DSP (City) Parvinder Kaur.
MANDATE 2022: Sekhri to contest from Batala: Navjot Singh Sidhu
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