After Captain's Exit, Congress Likely to Announce New Punjab CM Today

Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa is likely to be appointed as the new chief minister of the state.

File image of Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

(Photo: PTI)

A day after Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh stepped down from his post, the Congress party on Sunday, 19 September, is likely to announce the name of Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa as the new chief minister of the state.

Earlier on Sunday, speaking to news agency ANI, Pawan Goel, Working President, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee, said, "A resolution was passed that Sonia Gandhi ji's decision will be final on this matter. Today you will get to know her decision."

Names of Ambika Soni, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Sunil Jakhar, Pratap Singh Bajwa, and Raj Kumar Verka were also doing the rounds for the top post.

However, Soni put a rest to the speculations after she said that she has turned down the offer.

Singh's resignation has come months before the Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in early 2022 and amid rising discontent against him within the party.

In his resignation, Singh said that he felt "humiliated" by the way things had transpired and that the party could appoint "somebody they trust".

According to news reports, over 50 MLAs had written to the party high command asking for a change in the leadership.

In a parting shot, Singh voiced his concerns against Navjot Singh Sidhu being appointed as the next chief minister of the state and said that he will oppose his name.

Amarinder Singh then went on to allege that Sidhu has "a connection with Pakistan" and that "it will be a threat to national security".