Navjot Singh Sidhu maybe next Congress Delhi chief, Sonia Gandhi upset with current setup: Sources

In a massive development, controversial Punjab Congress leader Navjot Singh Siddhu is likely to be the party's new Delhi chief, sources told. This development has come days after demise of former Delhi CM and party's chief for Delhi unit Sheila Dikshit. As per sources, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is not happy with the Congress party's unit including PC Chacko and Ajay Maken in the national capital currently.

Amid the difference within the party in the aftermath of the massive poll debacle in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, discussions are underway to appoint the former Punjab minister as the Delhi Congress chief. This step by Sonia Gandhi is likely in the light of closeness of the ex-Punjab minister with former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and UP General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Sidhu tenders resignation

On July 20, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh accepted Sidhu's resignation from the state assembly, following the acceptance of his resignation by Governor Vijayender Pal Singh Badnore. Meanwhile, Captain Amarinder Singh is taking care of Sidhu's ministry for the time being. Amid the ongoing and significantly open differences between Sidhu and Captain Singh after the former was stripped off key portfolios in the cabinet reshuffle, the former minister took to Twitter on July 14 and tendered his resignation. Sidhu was on June 6, given the power and new and renewable energy portfolio and was divested of the ministry of Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments. While he tendered his resignation as Punjab minister, the cricketer-turned-politician later confirmed that he will remain with the Congress.

AAP invites Sidhu to join party

In a political twist, AAP leader Lop Harpal Cheema invited ex-Punjab Cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to join his party saying that the Arvind Kerjiwal-led party will welcome anyone who works for Punjab's welfare. 

"Look, we welcome all those who work for the welfare of Punjab youth, farmers and works in ending Punjab's drug problems. Our party welcome every such individual. Even Navjot Sidhu," the AAP leader had said.

Former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit's demise

Former Delhi CM and state Congress chief Sheila Dikshit passed away on Saturday, July 20, at the age of 81 years due to a cardiac arrest at the Escorts Fortis Hospital. With her demise, the veteran political leader left an uphill task for a new prominent leader for the party to fill her shoes, more importantly with less than six months left for the Delhi assembly polls. There have been reports of emergence of factions within the Delhi Congress leadership between the old guards of the DPCC (Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee).

Meanwhile, with the assembly elections in the national capital months away, the AAP and BJP have already started their campaign trail.

READ | As Sheila Dikshit Leaves Her Footprints Behind; Here's Why Delhi Will Always Remember The Former CM