RAHUL-CAPT MEETING - State affairs, not reshuffle, discussed
Thursday, 29/10/2015
http://www.indiapress.org/gen/news.php/The_Tribune/
New Delhi : The Congress’ dilemma on the reorganisation of the Punjab unit continues with no concrete takeaways emerging from discussions despite the second consecutive meeting today between former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.
Some clarity on the issue was expected today but Capt Amarinder, after meeting Rahul for around 40 minutes at the latter’s residence, said, “The issue of the state leadership was not discussed in the meeting today. We spoke about the ground situation in Punjab, the state of affairs in the Aam Aadmi Party, the condition of the ruling Akali Dal and other state affairs.”
This was the second meeting between Capt and Rahul in five days.
Capt Amarinder today spoke to the media for the first time in three months since discussions on the reorganisation started. He also struck a conciliatory note on the issue of unity in the party, saying, “We all have to work together in Punjab, where AAP is not a great force and the Akalis are down and out.”
A source said the party might wait for the Bihar election results to take a call on the issue even though a section in the Congress believes an early announcement with Capt as the leader in the state would be made soon.
Asked if Capt could be made the state party chief, a top source said, “That’s likely but not confirmed. Discussions are going on.” The party is also discussing whether it needs to replace the Congress Legislature Party chief although it realises it must have a good reason to replace Sunil Jakhar, a Hindu leader, and a Capt confidant.
Indicating the possibility of Capt Amarinder’s elevation, a source said, “We cannot lose Capt. He has, on more than one occasion, indicated a possibility of forming his own party if he is not trusted with the state leadership by the Congress high command, which realises the urgency of keeping Capt on board but also wants to take other Punjab leaders along.
That explains the delay, considering Congress general secretary and in charge of Punjab Shakeel Ahmed had on record told The Tribune on September 27 that the matter would be resolved in 15 days. Tomorrow, Rahul Gandhi is again going to Bihar for election rallies while Capt Amarinder is returning to Patiala.
