Ambika Soni bows out of Punjab CM race, backs Sikh face

Congress leader Ambika Soni, who was called in a late night meeting with Rahul Gandhi, has declined to become the chief minister of Punjab. Sources close to her said she has instead suggested that a Sikh occupy the post.

After the refusal, the Congress, which wanted Ambika to become the CM after Amarinder Singh resigned, is now considering other names, including Partap Singh Bajwa, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Ravneet Singh Bittu. Earlier, the party had decided to appoint Sunil Jhakhar as the Chief Minister, but now the party leadership is having second thoughts on his name.

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi held a meeting late in the night in which party leader Ambika Soni, General Secretary Organisation K.C. Venugopal were present. The meeting ended post midnight on Sunday.

Also Read | Who are the leaders in contention for Punjab CM post?

Sources said discussion on a new chief minister was held and also strategy to pacify Amarinder Singh was discussed. Since Ambika Soni hails from Punjab, the party leadership wanted her to become the Chief Minister till elections are held.

Sources said the party wants to project a non-Sikh face ahead of the polls to counter the AAP which is gaining ground in the state.

They added that the party wanted a Sikh, Navjot Singh Sidhu, as the state Congress chief and a non-Sikh CM candidate combination in the polls.

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