Navjot Singh Sidhu Quits as Punjab Congress Chief, 4 Other Resignations Follow

"I can never compromise on Punjab’s future," Sidhu said in his letter. He also maintained he will stay in Congress.

Punjab Pradesh Congress Chief Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday, 28 September, resigned from his post. Sidhu announced his decision in a letter to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

(Photo Courtesy: The Quint)

Video Producer: Shohini Bose
Video Editor: Mohd. Irshad Alam

Punjab Pradesh Congress Chief Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday, 28 September, resigned from his post. Sidhu announced his decision in a letter to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

In his letter, Sidhu wrote:

“The collapse of a man’s character stems from the compromise corner, I can never compromise to Punjab’s future and the agenda for the welfare of Punjab. (sic)”

Navjot Singh Sidhu

Tendering his resignation, Sindhu stated: “Will continue to serve the Congress.”

Resignations That Followed

Following Sidhu's resignation, Razia Sultana, who took oath as a Cabinet minister of Punjab only two days earlier, also resigned "in solidarity with Navjot Singh Sidhu". Sultana's husband Mohammad Mustafa is an adviser to Sidhu.

• Yoginder Dhingra has also resigned as General Secretary of Punjab Congress.

• Gautam Seth has resigned as General Secretary (in-charge training) of Punjab Congress

• Gulzar Inder Chahal too stepped down as Punjab Congress treasurer.

Cong MLAs Lend Support to Sidhu

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira was quoted by ANI as crediting Sidhu for taking a stand against corruption in Punjab. He also said:

"...if his (Sidhu's) suggestions are not paid heed to, he would not want to be a speechless president. We urge him to withdraw resignation and request high command to redress his grievances."

Further, according to ANI, Punjab Congress MLA Pargat Singh arrived at Navjot Singh Sidhu's residence on Tuesday evening.

What Is the Present CM Saying?

Meanwhile, on being asked about Sidhu's resignation, the present Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi, according to ANI, said he has "no information". Channi, however, reportedly added:

"I have full confidence and faith in Sidhu sahab."

Further, responding to questions on Sidhu being upset over bureaucratic set up and concerns over his commands not being followed after cabinet expansion in Punjab, the CM reportedly said:

"It will be settled if he is upset...though he is not upset with me..."

Meanwhile, Ex-CM Amarinder Singh Says: "Told You So"

Tweeting shortly after, former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who had stepped down amid a tussle with Sidhu, said:

"I told you so…he is not a stable man and not fit for the border state of Punjab."

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh

What Is the Sidhu-Amarinder Tussle?

Earlier in September, amid a tussle within the party, Amarinder Singh had claimed that he had suffered “humiliation” and stepped down as the CM of the state.

He had also subsequently gone on to state that he would fight Navjot Sidhu's elevation to Punjab Chief Ministership tooth and nail, and was ready to make any sacrifice to save the country from such a "dangerous man".

Less than a fortnight after resigning as Punjab's chief minister, Singh is scheduled to be in Delhi for a two-day visit, reports said on Tuesday, 28 September.

On arriving in Delhi, according to ANI, he said: "This man (Navjot Singh Sidhu) is unstable".

"I am here to vacate Kapurthala House, the residence of Punjab CM in New Delhi. I am not going to meet any politician here," Singh added.

(With inputs from ANI.)