Punjab Congress in-charge, state chief seek action against Navjot Singh Sidhu

In his letter to Sonia, Chaudhary noted that Sidhu relentlessly criticised the previous Congress government despite being asked not to do so.

“He cannot be allowed to portray himself above the party and to set an example for others to breach the party discipline. It is, therefore, recommended that an explanation must be sought from Shri Sidhu as to why a disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against him,” wrote Chaudhary.

Chaudhary said having been the incharge of the party affairs in Punjab from November until now, he has observed that Sidhu “continuously criticised the functioning of the Congress government terming it corrupt and hand in glove with the Shiromani Akali Dal”.

“As the party was fighting the elections, it was inappropriate for Sidhu to set such a precedent. In spite of my repeated advice to avoid such activities, he continued to speak against the government relentlessly,” wrote Chaudhary.

Chaudhary also cited an incident on the installation ceremony of Warring as the Punjab Congress chief on April 22 in which Sidhu came to the party office but did not share the stage with other party leaders.

“I am forwarding Raja Warring’s detailed note regarding Sidhu’s current activities… His actions at the assumption of office ceremony of Raja Warring are also inexcusable,” Chaudhary said.

“Sidhu simply met and wished the incumbent PCC president and hurriedly left the venue whereas the entire state leadership attended the function and presented a united face to the Congress party workers,” noted Chaudhary.

The issue was highlighted by Warring in a letter that he wrote to Chaudhary asking him to seek an explanation from Sidhu for his “parallel activities”.

Warring wrote that Sidhu had been “consistently giving exclusive interviews to electronic and web channels and criticizing the (previous) Congress government and state leadership alike. It would be difficult for me to take action against any leader or worker for breach of discipline if such acts of Sidhu are ignored and no action is initiated against him for breaching the party discipline continuously and with impunity.”

About the day he formally took charge as PPCC chief, Warring said Sidhu him in the parking area and left the Congress Bhavan after interacting with the media without participating in the function.

“Here, he once again spoke against the Congress government. His presence in the function would have sent a message of unity amongst the party workers across the state. His media adviser tweeted against me after the charge assumption ceremony and minutes before my press conference, prompting the press to seek my response,” Warring wrote.

The PCC chief further wrote that Sidhu had been “posting pictures on social media platforms of his visits to the houses of expelled Congress leaders like Amrik [Singh] Dhillon, Kewal Singh Dhillon.”

“Sidhu may term these meetings as his private affair , however, such acts have caused confusion amongst the Congress leaders and party workers who would only see this as an example of indiscipline being ignored,” Warring added.

Warring said although it was “perfectly fine for Sidhu to travel across the state and meet Congress leaders, workers and public alike, “however he is conducting meetings with leaders who have been expelled from the party” and “this raises serious concerns about maintaining discipline in the party.’

Warring said the expelled leaders accompanied Sidhu as he went to submit a memorandum to Punjab Governor. “How would the Congress worker and leader react to such a picture posed in front of the media,” he asked in the letter.

“As President, in the run-up to the state assembly elections, he consistently spoke against his own government on all media platforms causing embarrassment to the party and the government. His remarks and his public stance during the elections largely contributed to the party’s defeat and also demoralised and demotivated the rank and file of the party,” Warring further wrote.

“He must be asked to either strictly follow party guidelines or immediately suspend these activities or else disciplinary proceedings against Sidhu should be immediately initiated to ensure that discipline in the party is maintained,” Warring wrote.

While taking over the charge formally on April 22, Warring had underlined 3-D formula to revive Congress – stressing on Discipline, Dedication and Dialogue with the party activists.

Asked about his letter, Warring told The Indian Express: “It is for Congress president Sonia Gandhi to maintain discipline in the party.”

Sidhu was not available for comment.

Sidhu wishes Kishor

After poll strategist Prashant Kishor hinted at making a fresh beginning from his home state Bihar, Sidhu sent his best wishes. “The first blow is half the battle my friend… A good beginning always makes a good ending… Best always in your sincere efforts to honour the spirit of our Constitution… ‘The power of people must return to the people’, manifold…,” Sidhu said in a tweet.

Sidhu had earlier put out a picture of his with Kishor when he met him the day latter declined the Congress offer to join the party and be a part of the empowered action group to evolve the party’s strategy for upcoming assembly polls in several states and 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Putting out a cryptic tweet, he said, “Had a wonderful meeting with my old friend PK… Old wine , Old gold and Old friends still the best !!!.”