CHANDIGARH: While the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) would meet at 11 AM today to announce the name of new Chief Minister of Punjab, the focus is on Navjot Singh Sidhu who is front runner in the race. Sidhu is PPCC president and strong critic of former CM Capt Amarinder Singh.
The Congress high command has already finalised the name of Chief Minister and CLP has to put its stmp on it. Besides Sidhu who were probale candidates are Partap Singh Bajwa, Ambika Soni and former PPCC president Sunil Jakhar.
According to political observers all leaders except Navjot Sidhu are close to Capt Amarinder Singh and they may not attempt to disturb the administrative set up in the present government. The key appointees of Capt Amarinder Singh are high profile couple DGP Dinkar Gupta and Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan who are practically running the government. Any other leader except Navjot Sidhu might not act against the mafias flourishing in the state. They may not be able to counter the clout of Badal family in the government
Navjot Sidhu was lone fighter against the mining mafia, drug mafia, cable mafia and transport mafia being run under the protection of police and civil administration in collaboration with the political eastablishment. It would not be easy to fight against the strong nexus that operates mafias in Punjab. Navjot Sidhu is a opular face that can neutralise the rising influence of Aam Aadmi Party, political observers said.
Among other leaders being considered for the top post Partap Bajwa could be second choice being a traditionl Congressman but it is very unlikely he would counter the Badal family and fight mafias. Ambika Soni Rajya Sabha member is close to Capt Amarinder Singh as she was helped by Captain to get Rajya Sabha berth. She also has vested interests in Punjab and she is away from Punjab politics for a long time. Sunil Jakhar is good human being but he lacks adminsitrative experience. Imosing non Jat Sikh CM in Punjab may be risky for the Congress party.
At present there is strong anti-incumbency factor prevailing in Punjab and employees of almost all departments are up in arms against Congress government. Unless the demands of these sections are not met, there will be no gain for Congress if a leader not able to take decisions was decided.
Capt Amarinder Singh would ahv eno say in selection of new Chief Minister. It is sole prerogative of Congress high command to decide the new leader. It is understood that most of the MLAs are in favour of Navjot Sidhu. In case Congress high command decides against Sidhu, Sukhjinder Singh Ramdhawa could emerge the dark horse.