Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
The Congress is gearing up to fight all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, party’s state unit president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring Tuesday said, adding that the high command has not given any indication about fighting the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in alliance with any outfit.
“There is a message from the party high command that you make preparations for contesting all 13 seats. I want to say that if any message comes from the high command, which means (Congress president Mallikarjun) Kharge sahib, then it will come to me being the PPCC president. Such a message that you fight elections jointly or enter any alliance has not been given till now. If the high command gives any indication, then I will disclose it. …ultimately whatever the high command says that will happen,” Warring said. He was replying to a question on contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab. Warring’s remarks assumes significance as several constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc have been increasingly pressing for a fast decision on seat sharing in different states so that candidates have sufficient time for campaigning and gauging the situation on the ground.
The Punjab Congress leaders had already voiced strong reservations against any alliance with the AAP in the state for the next general elections. On the other hand, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal had recently said that their party would win all 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state.
Addressing reporters here, Warring said the party leadership has asked for details about those who can contest elections while considering caste combinations and representation to all castes. In what he called the party’s “strategic approach for the forthcoming elections”, Warring said the party leaders “have engaged in comprehensive discussions regarding campaign strategies, potential candidates, and electoral prospects and leaders within the state unit have been advised to remain prepared for the upcoming elections”.
The final decision on contenders rests with Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, he said, adding that “merit would be the primary criterion for allocating seats”. “People will be chosen based on their qualifications, with no consideration given to sentimental attachments or past affiliations. Only candidates possessing the requisite merit will be nominated for the various electoral constituencies,” he added.
Warring said the Congress will welcome slain singer Sidhu Moosewala’s father Balkaur Singh if he expresses interest in contesting the elections next year. Warring, however, made it clear that Balkaur Singh has not expressed any interest in fighting next year’s general elections.
“If he expresses interest or if he wants, then Balkaur Singh will be most welcome. We do not have anything better than this. We will ask Balkaur Singh ji. If the family wants (to contest polls), it will be the family’s decision,” said Warring. Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, popularly known as Sidhu Moosewala, was shot dead in Punjab’s Mansa district on May 29 last year. Moosewala had unsuccessfully contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections from Mansa seat on the Congress ticket.
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
