Amarinder Singh’s return as Punjab Congress chief: How he turned the tables on Bajwa

Bajwa, 58, then the MP from Gurdaspur, was handpicked by Rahul who had been impressed by Bajwa’s oratory in taking on SAD Punjab MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, to lead the state unit and help strengthen the youth face of the party.

Amarinder, whose removal as PPCC chief was prompted after the party’s Moga by-election debacle in which a sitting Congress MLA, Joginder Pal Jain first resigned from his seat and contested on the Akali Dal ticket to emerge victorious. The defeat led to a clamour for his removal as Amarinder issued show-cause notices to two sitting MLAs, Brahm Mohindra and Randeep Singh Nabha, for allegedly not participating in the Moga bypoll.

The former chief minister, in private conversations, often regrets that he introduced Bajwa to Rahul and the former ‘backstabbed’ him by campaigning for his removal. Subsequent to his removal, Amarinder was almost pushed to the fringes. Many thought he would hang up his boots, so much so that his confidants say Congress cadres had even stopped responding to his calls.

In December 2013, Bajwa provided a handle to the eager Amarinder when he reorganised the PPCC and sidelined experienced and older leaders. This led to a revolt against Bajwa, and despite the high command holding his hand, he could not silence his detractors. Amarinder used the opportunity to woo the back state leaders.

While Bajwa tried to hold the flock together, several allegations of mistrust and autocracy surfaced against him. Party leaders and workers began to look to Amarinder.

The tables were turned on Bajwa after he pushed a reluctant Amarinder into the 2014 Amritsar Lok Sabha election against BJP stalwart Arun Jaitley. The election was a game-changer for Amarinder won by over 1 lakh votes—ironically, Bajwa had ended up resurrecting Amarinder’s fortunes. The latter was appointed deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha but kept up his efforts to oust Bajwa.

Though he criticised Rahul openly for his support of Bajwa, Amarinder gradually won back most of the party legislators as Bajwa’s team distanced itself from him and Amarinder was able to convince them that he was the most popular leader of the state.

It is learnt that Rahul asked Bajwa to withdraw in the interests of the party. As the Congress is desperately looking at Punjab for a turnaround, Amarinder fit the bill better, although he faces many challenges.

Amarinder’s camp is elated at the development but is wary of Ambika Soni who has been named campaign committee chief. They fear she could emerge as another power centre in the state if Amarinder falters and is unable to keep the flock together. She is seen as a spy of the high command, someone to keep a check on Amarinder.