Captain Calls INC Flexible, Sidhu Lashes Out at Warring & Randhawa

On 12 Dec, Indian National Congress’s former leader and twice Chief Minister of Panjab, at present Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) present national executive member Captain Amarinder Singh asserted that he finds the BJP rigid in its approach while INC is more flexible and has a consultative outlook. Captain said, 'Panjab is a different area. Look at it, everywhere the BJP is pulling through, why not in Panjab? The reason is BJP doesn’t consult people who have been in the field, who know what to say. The decisions are taken at the upper level.' Responding to a question on if he misses INC, he said, 'No, the system there was different. I miss the system.' Meanwhile, Panjab BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia responded to Captain’s suggestion on alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal saying. ‘Our objective is that the BJP should have its own chief minister in Panjab, and we are working towards that.’ Concurrently, after being suspended by Panjab INC chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, former member of Legislative Assembly Navjot Kaur Sidhu said, 'This notice has been issued by a state president who has no legitimacy. Many such notices are issued. I am taking part in discussions with my party, but we have one condition—I will not support thieves. If we want to form a government, there are four or five people destroying the Congress (INC). If they are removed, then I will think about it.' The comment on ‘thief’ comes from a previous allegation on Warring when he was transport minister during INC’s rule in Panjab (2017–22). A Right to Information query had revealed he had sent Punjab Roadways buses to Rajasthan for fabrication and made money in the deal. Speaking about the legal notice from Member of Parliament Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Sidhu dismissed it, claiming he 'could not even ensure his wife’s victory' and accusing him of openly selling tickets in Rajasthan. She claimed 70% of INC leaders are with her, though she declined to name them. While Captain’s comments have started speculation on him reconsidering being in BJP, Sidhu’s comments reveal the deep factionalism inside Panjab INC (earlier coverage).