Wiped out in Punjab but Cong internal rift widens with demand for action against Sidhu
Darpan News Desk IANS, 02 May, 2022 11:10 AM
New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) The Congress state in-charge of Punjab has written to party president Sonia Gandhi for action against former state party president Navjot Singh Sidhu for speaking against the party line. The letter written by Harish Chaudhary says that Sidhu can't be allowed to portray himself above the party.
In the letter he said, "I am forwarding Shri Raja Warring's detailed note regarding Shri Sidhu's current activities along with this letter." He wrote that Sidhu's actions are inexcusable and he should be asked for an explanation and disciplinary action should be initiated.
The Congress was wiped out in the Punjab elections due to the internal rift. After the unceremonious exit of former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and the party's mauling the Congress relied on the feedback of Navjot Singh Sidhu who was against Singh. Later the Congress ignored Sidhu to make Charanjit Singh Channi the Chief Minister, irking both Sunil Jakhar and Sidhu and all were speaking in different voices during the state elections. The Congress has taken action against Jakhar recently.
Sonia Gandhi, on the recommendation of the Congress disciplinary committee, has stripped Sunil Jakhar of all posts and he will not be given any post till two years. After this decision Jakhar has been more vocal on the issue.
While Sunil Jakhar had spoken about former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, his comments have offended the Dalit leaders in the party, and Udit Raj had demanded his expulsion. "Mr Sunil Jhakhar, Punjab Cong leader, must be expelled from the Party for his casteist & feudal comment that Mr Channi, being lowest caste, couldn't have been made CM. His place is on his feet instead of on head."
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and ensure the expeditious release of Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana to fulfill the promise made to the Sikh community to release eight Sikh prisoners who have served more than the effective equivalent of a life sentence on the eve of the 550th Parkash Purb celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev in 2019.
The organisation said that Maan should express regret over the recent meeting. Dhesi had met Mann along with newly-elected Rajya Sabha member and AAP leader Raghav Chadha on Sunday.
The Golden Temple in Amritsar, one of Sikhism's holiest shrines, saw a heavy rush to offer prayers. As per gurdwara officials, nearly two lakh devotees visit the Golden Temple on the occasion of Baisakhi.
The Enforcement Directorate has questioned former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi at its Jalandhar office in connection with the illegal sand mining case involving Channi's nephew, Bhupinder Singh Honey, and others.
Extending his best wishes to all Indians living in the country as well as abroad, he said: "These festivals celebrated all across the country reflect our diversity and also emphasise our unity. The festivals are occasions of enjoyment for the farmer community who work tirelessly for the betterment and progress of the nation."
The deceased was identified as Himanshu while his wife Priya (30) and son Krishna (3) are presently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. The other injured were Harsh Makkar (40), his wife Seema (35), one Ice Cream vendor Ranjeet Sarkar (32) and one pedestrian Varun Kashyap (35).