Chhapar mela: Bajwa not invited to key Congress event, Jakhar to lead

Former chief minister Amarinder, too, will not attend the conference, as he is away in London. In his absence, CLP leader Sunil Jakhar will lead the conference and will be the key speaker.

Several of Amarinder’s supporters — Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, his cousin and Khanna MLA Gurkirat Kotli, former MLA Darshan Singh Brar from Moga and Sanaur MLA Lal Singh — have confirmed their attendance to make the event a Captain show all the way, Speaking to The Indian Express, Jakhar said: “I am not aware if PPCC president Bajwa would be there or not but I have been invited by the organiser, Jagpal Khangura, father of Congress leader Jassi Khangura, since the latter is abroad. The conference is an important annual event and the Congress will participate with full enthusiasm.”

When contacted, organiser Jagpal Singh Khangura confirmed that Bajwa will not attend the conference. “Jakhar saab will be addressing the public rally as key speaker from the Congress camp since Captain is not here. Maharani (Perneet Kaur) is also not here but Lal Singh, Darshan Brar from Moga, MP Bittu from Ludhiana, Khanna MLA Kotli, etc will participate,” said Khangura.

Ludhiana MP Bittu said, “The party high command needs to take a call (on the leadership issue in Punjab Congress) soon since the morale of the workers may take a hit. I will totally support the final decision taken by AICC chief Sonia Gandhi and AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi.”

However, a senior Congress leader said it will be embarrassing if the PPCC president is not be part of the Congress camp. “Till the party high command does not take any decision, Bajwa remains the PPCC president and it is unethical on the part of the organisers not to invite him as key speaker.”The conference is being organised by the Khangura clan who are known Amarinder Singh loyalists and have chosen not to invite Bajwa.