In 2017, leaving BJP, Sidhu joined Congress party ahead of Punjab Assembly polls. Congress won the election and Capt. Amarinder Singh became Chief Minister while Navjot Sidhu was made Punjab's Tourism and Local Bodies Minister. Since Sidhu came into congress, continuous fluctuations can be seen in appointments, resignations, re-appointments, etc. and all these are surrounded by Sidhu. From 2019, a clear tussle between CM Amarinder Singh and Sidhu was evident in Punjab politics. However, Sidhu continued to rule the party as per his will and was made Punjab congress chief in July, which led to the resignation of the captain as Chief Minister of Punjab in September 2021. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president, is often accused of creating tensions in party in order to fulfill his own motive to be the CM of Punjab, and can be seen attacking verbally many of the Congress's prominent leaders, be it CM Channi or Rana Gurjeet Singh. Recently Sidhu made a comment, “end of road for Rajas and Ranas”, where he attacked Rana Gurjeet Singh. To counter this, Rana called Sidhu a 'political mercenary'.
Key Points|
1. The minister of Punjab Rana Gurjeet Singh on Sunday called state Punjab Congress Committee chief Navjot Singh Sidhu a “political mercenary” and alleged him of dividing the party. He further said that Sidhu lacks any principles or ideology.
2. A day after Sidhu made a comment, it is the “end of road for Rajas and Ranas” at a rally, Rana accused Sidhu and said, “You are just like a mercenary having joined the party just with the sole purpose of becoming the chief minister, while I have been in the party right from my birth.” He further called himself “born Congressman”.
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3. The Punjab minister also blamed Sidhu for dividing the party and often opposing his own government said, “Sooner you leave better it will be for the party as you have divided and damaged the party from within as if you were pursuing some hidden agenda of your real political masters who are still pulling your strings.”
4. The minister further called Sidhu jealous and insecure about CM Channi for often criticizing the chief minister of Punjab. He also added that keeping in mind Sidhu’s 'unstable and eccentric behaviour', nobody is sure whether he would stay in the Congress or quit the party before the Assembly polls.
5. Rana Gurjeet Singh also adviced Sidhu to fulfill his responsibility as Punjab Congress committee's president and keep the party united, instead of creating problems for the party.
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