Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh met Congress President Sonia Gandhi in Delhi on Tuesday, 10 August, with the latter reportedly advising that the state government and the organisation must "walk together".
Soon after the meeting, Singh's media advisor Raveen Thukral quoted the CM as saying, "Met Congress President Sonia Gandhi ji in Delhi this evening to discuss various state related issues. Spent an extremely satisfying one hour with her."
This was the first meeting between Singh and Gandhi after Navjot Singh Sidhu was elevated to the position of president of the Punjab Congress.
Continuing Tensions?
Regarding the talks, Congress leader in charge of Punjab Harish Rawat was quoted as saying by ANI, "I believe that Congress chief has advised that the state government and organisation have to walk together and both of them (Captain Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu) have to work within their respective limits but by cooperating with each other."
Rawat also pointed out that the CM has not said that he is upset with Sidhu. "You yourself are contemplating this. This isn't the statement of Captain."
The meeting came amid reports of continuing tensions between CM Singh and Sidhu. Though both the leaders pledged to work together as a team after Sidhu's elevation, the cricketer-turned-politician appears to be continuing his aggressive stance against the CM.
On Monday, Sidhu had tweeted about government inaction against Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia and others who were allegedly involved in a drug trafficking case in 2018.
A Cabinet reshuffle is also expected to take place in the state ahead of the elections in early 2022.
Amarinder Meets Amit Shah, Asks for Repeal of Farm Laws
Soon after meeting Sonia Gandhi, Amarinder Singh met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the latter's residence on Tuesday. At the meeting, Singh urged Shah to intervene to resolve the farmers' protest and repeal the three contentious farm laws, the former's media advisor said.
"While the farmers' protest has so far been largely peaceful, one can sense rising tempers, especially as Punjab moves towards elections in early 2022. There's urgent need to review and repeal the farm laws," Amarinder Singh was quoted as telling Shah.
(With inputs from ANI and The Tribune.)
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