Rebellion Mild, will subside: Capt
Saturday, 07/01/2012
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120108/punjab.htm#1
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Capt Amarinder Singh today termed the rebellion by agitated party leaders who had been denied party ticket as 'slight' and claimed things would simmer down in a few days with various leaders already reconciling to the turn of events.
While making it clear that there was no scope of change in the 114-member list, Amarinder said it was party president Sonia Gandhi's unilateral decision to allot ticket to his son Raninder Singh and Karan Brar, daughter-in-law of former Chief Minister Harcharan Singh Brar.
"Neither Preneet (his wife and Patiala MP) nor me had anything to do with Raninder's recommendation. Both Raninder and Karan Brar have been rewarded for standing up against the Badal family," he said.
Notably, Raninder and Karan have contested a Lok Sabha election each against Harsimrat Badal and Sukhbir Badal, respectively. Amarinder said since the party had forced them to contest the elections, Sonia felt they should be suitably rewarded. "It is a kind and generous gesture on Sonia's part," he said.
On whether the gesture had robbed Raja Malwinder of nomination, Amarinder said his brother was upset as he had been working in Samana since the past 35 years. He said he had spoken to his brother, who was also from the Army background, and told him that he should understand that there were certain orders that needed to be obeyed even if one didn't like them. He said Malvinder knew the Congress president since the days of her marriage but sometimes even Sonia could be helpless. "She had to take a larger view", he added.
About another dissension — Deepinder Singh Dhillon being ignored from Dera Bassi in favour of Jasjit Singh Randhawa — the PPCC president was much more forthright. He said Deepinder was not considered a strong candidate as the character of the seat had changed post-delimitation.
Amarinder also indicated dissidence would simmer down. He said Gidderbaha ticket hopeful Gursant Singh Brar had rung him up and assured him that he would abide with the party decision. He said similarly PPP defector Kushaldeep Dhillon had also assured him that he would campaign for the Congress.
