After a not-so-successful attempt to commandeer the anti-drug rally in Punjab, the State Congress chief Partap Singh Bajwa is now focusing on other issues that just might please the party’s top brass.
As of now, Bajwa has decided to focus all his attention on the farmers’ “mega” rally, to be organised in the State, on the direction of the party national vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Besides, some attention was being paid on the ensuing civic body polls in the State.
However, Bajwa will also be seen campaigning for the party candidate in February 7 Delhi Assembly polls at Sikh-dominated seats, especially from where SAD has fielded its candidates.
The burning issue of the drug menace in the State, over which he was at loggerheads not only with the ruling SAD-BJP combine but also with his bête noire Capt Amarinder Singh, has been put on the backburner — at least for the time being.
During his closed-doors meeting with Gandhi Scion in the recent past, Bajwa was asked to organise a farmers’ conference in the State against the Narendra Modi-Government’s decision on land Acquisition Act. Rahul Gandhi had maintained that he would also participate in the rally.
Bajwa’s meeting with Rahul Gandhi had come at a time when the former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder was flexing his muscles to show his popularity in the party and also among Punjabis over the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief.
Earlier, Capt Amarinder had already asked the party high command to remove Bajwa from party’s top post. His demand was supported by many senior party leaders too.
Enthused by Rahul Gandhi’s backing, Bajwa is leaving no stone unturned to prove his mettle by organising a “successful” farmers’ conference, particularly when 35 out of 43 party MlAs attended Capt Amarinder’s ‘lalkar Rally’ at Amritsar despite not having party high command’s approval. Even as the date for the conference is yet to be finalised, the party has decided to hold it in March at Moga.
“Rahul had asked me to organise a massive rally in Punjab in which farmers’ organisations, farmers, not only from Punjab, but from across the country would be invited to voice our protest against the NDA Government’s anti-farmer decision to bring the land ordinance,” Bajwa told The Pioneer.
PPCC chief said that he was galvanising the party workers and various farmers’ organisations for the rally. “Yes, we are also preparing for the municipal polls. We had long discussions on the same,” said Bajwa.
Regarding “grave” drug issue taking a backseat, Bajwa said drug was always an issue in Punjab and “the party is raising the it at all platforms”. Bajwa said the party has prepared detailed plans on all important issues, which would be unveiled as the time comes.