Sidhu to sit on Fast to Protest Against Lakhimpur Kheri Incident, Seek Arrest of Ajay Mishar’s Son
Navjot Sidhu’s outbursts keep deluding the Congress at a time when the party’s top command is attempting to put its house in order in preparation for the 2022 Punjab Assembly election.
The ruling party’s newest issue came on Thursday, when Sidhu, who has yet to formally retract his resignation as leader of the Congress’ Punjab branch, chose to lead party workers from Mohali to Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh to protest the horrific death of farmers.
Sidhu, who today began a fast seeking the arrest of Union Minister Ajay Mishra’s son, appeared disturbed in images of the group as they prepared to go off on their protest.
The former cricketer, whose promise to resign last month alarmed the Congress, especially since the party had backed him in his long and public fight with former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, was subsequently caught on tape criticizing his party.
Pargat Singh, Sidhu’s close aide and cabinet minister, tries to comfort him by suggesting Mr. Channi would join them shortly in the video in the issue. The march will be successful, according to Sukhwinder Singh Danny, one of the Punjab Congress’ Working Presidents.
He gives a venomous reaction, saying: “Where is the evidence of accomplishment? You would have seen… Congress is in a dying stage if Bhagwant Sidhu’s son (a reference to his father) had been permitted to lead…”
The opposition Akali Dal has also slammed Sidhu’s remark, saying it demonstrated his contempt for the Dalit community. The Akalis have also claimed that the comment has exposed the Congress’ “caste card” ahead of the poll.
“People who prioritize their ambition over the wellbeing of others are incapable of directing the state. They are out in the open… Sonia Gandhi, the Congress President, should explain to Punjabis why she sought to deceive them by appointing a Scheduled Caste Chief Minister… while simultaneously placing her trust in Sidhu “Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, the head of the Akali Dal, stated.
Sidhus’ threat to resign as Punjab Congress president was reportedly spurred by the Chief Minister’s failure to consult him on crucial appointments, including the state’s police chief.
