Flaunting Rahul’s support, Bajwa takes on Modi over farm crisis

Saturday, 06/06/2015

http://www.indiapress.org/gen/news.php/The_Tribune/

Chandigarh : Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Partap Singh Bajwa has a new spring in his step post his meeting with party vice-president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Thursday.

The meeting was held amid reports that Bajwa’s days were numbered and that he may have to accept a compromise formula with former CM Capt Amarinder Singh over the state unit’s control.

Bajwa appeared to have returned to work with renewed energy as he openly claimed that he had Rahul's backing. To queries on his “renewed confidence”, he said, “When your boss pats you on the back, you tend to return to work with new vigour.”

Addressing a media conference here today, he announced details of his ‘padyatra’ (foot march) across the state. Bajwa and Capt Amarinder were reportedly called for a meeting with Rahul in Delhi on June 4 and 5. The PPCC chief also announced strict action against any Congress leader who issued statements inciting communal violence. “I have taken action against a leader from Ludhiana for objectionable statements by his nephew on social media. Though the leader has clarified that he and his family had deep faith in Sikhism, I have suspended him to thwart attempts by certain agencies to drag the party into the controversy,” he said. Bajwa posed questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his stand over Punjab farmers losing land in Gujarat, an increase in farmer suicides and attempts to end the provision of a minimum support price for wheat and paddy.

“The Prime Minister will visit Punjab a second time since he assumed office. But he has so far not announced any support for issues concerning the state, especially farm crisis. We also want him to come clear on the Gujarat controversy where Punjab-origin farmers are being ousted despite court orders,” he said.

Bajwa accused Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal of working towards ensuring that the proposed IIM was shifted from Amritsar to another location.

Rahul-Capt meeting likely next week
New Delhi: Former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh is likely to meet Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi next week to discuss the situation in Punjab and the prevailing controversy over the state unit leadership. Capt, who arrived in Delhi on Thursday, did not meet Rahul as the latter was busy preparing for his scheduled visit to West Bengal on Saturday. Capt Amarinder Singh confirmed that the meeting had not taken place yet and that it was likely next week. Captain’s meeting with Rahul is being keenly watched in the light of the meeting between PPCC chief Partap Bajwa and Rahul on Thursday.