Sidhu’s name came up briefly during a discussion to finalise the previous Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president. However, his appointment wasn’t under serious consideration.
The general word in political circles that Navjot Singh Sidhu will soon step into the shoes of Congress stalwart Sheila Dikshit and next party chief in the national capital. Sidhu resigned from the Punjab cabinet after a bitter spat with Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. He has been away from public eye ever since. Sources claim that Sidhu is awaiting appointment for the post.
Dikshit, who was in charge of DPCC passed away on July 20.
Sources close to Sidhu said that the party might take a call on his appointment soon. It is known that the Punjab MLA met Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra some time back. He was reportedly offered the position.
Party sources claim that Sidhu has been asked to get back to them on the offer. Now, he has reportedly told them that he is ready for the new role. However, senior party leader and party’s in-charge of Delhi affairs PC Chacko said, “There was no discussion at any level that I was included in.”
He said till the party high command comes to a consensus on the next All India Congress Committee (AICC) President, it is unlikely to take up the appointment of the next DPCC Chief.
“Sidhu’s name came briefly during a discussion to finalise the previous (DPCC) president. However, he wasn’t under serious consideration,” Chacko said.
However, a senior Delhi Congress leader said, “His name was mooted by those at the top.” According to party leaders in Delhi, two former DPCC chiefs- Ajay Maken and Arvinder Singh Lovely– are among the probables for the post of Delhi Congress Chief.