The resignation of star political strategist, Prashant Kishor as an advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has raised more and more speculations of him joining the Congress party. His resignation did not come as a surprise because Kishor had already announced that he will soon quit the job of a political strategist and advisor as well. However, his exit has raised several questions in the political environment of the country.
In the Congress Party, the leaders believe that his decision to quit is the precursor of formal joining the party. However, the party leadership has not discussed his entry to the party with other top leaders of Congress. Interestingly, many of the Congress leaders from Punjab (Who helped Singh during elections, were also unaware of the developments, when Kishor was selected to be a part of the Chief Minister’s core team.
After Kishor is appointed an advisor, Singh was assured that no one will come on his way and expected to run a smooth government in Punjab. However, soon after Kishor’s appointment, things escalated, when word spread among the Punjab Congress leaders that approximately 30-35 legislators would be changed to deal with anti-incumbency against the government. The word of rumor led to great panic as almost every MLA wanted to regain as the party nominee, All these things made their revolt against the CM very visible.
Things got tense when no step was taken to reassure the MLA’s, and many leaders were also surprised how CM’s personal advisor has taken the charge to decide who should get the party nomination and who should not. However, Sunil Jakhar, State Party Chief, back then definitely tried to make things better, but no assurance from Captain contradicted this stand.
It was contended that there is an Election Committee inside the Grand Old Party, which was established by the Party Chief which has the last word on the things related to the ticket distribution. Hence, it is beyond the control of the so-called advisor (Prashant Kishor) or anybody else for that matter to override the established practice followed in the party for a while. Further, the idea of refusal of tickets distribution had gone about as an impetus to hasten a political emergency in Punjab where the Captain went under direct attack from a large number of the individuals who had been supporting him till then.
As nothing turned out to be good, Party High Command (read Gandhi’s) came to the rescue. Reportedly, there were several MLA’s that held meetings with top leaders in the National Capital to talk about their concerns. Also, the National leadership was in favor of restricting the power of CM Amrinder and deported Harish Rawat, General Secretary with the motive of appointing Navjot Singh Sidhu as the Pradesh President which helped Central leadership to gain direct power in the State.
The CM, although tried to hold his ground and resisted the move, was not able to stop Sidhu’s appointment. On the other hand, Sidhu keeps taking digs at the CM and the way of functioning of his own government and Captain’s relationship with the Akali Dal. The improvements took a sharp turn and Navjot Singh Sidhu was appointed as the Punjab Party Chief.
As per media reports, there are presently new mumbles in party circles that Sidhu was made the State President on the proposal of a report put together by Prashant Kishor. However, nobody has verified it except for endeavors are presently being made to interface PK’s acquiescence to this alleged report. On the off chance that in reality, he had suggested Sidhu’s appointment, his continuation as the Captain’s counsel or adviser had gotten unsound. The final word on Punjab Congress bickerings is yet to be heard.