New Delhi, July 13
Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today met AICC general secretary Mohsina Kidwai regarding the appointment of PCC chief in the state, even as contenders for the post of Congress chief in Punjab and Haryana met AICC leaders to keep up their claims.

Sources said the apparent reason of the Chief Minister’s meeting with Ms Kidwai today was to have a person of his choice appointed as PCC chief. Some of the names being mentioned as top contenders to the post of PCC chief are not seen close to Capt Amarinder.

Supporters of the Chief Minister are making efforts to either get the decision on PCC chief delayed or to have a man of Chief Minister’s choice for the top post.

Talking to The Tribune, the Chief Minister said that he had already requested the high-command to appoint a new PCC chief. He said that anyone chosen by the Congress president for the post would be acceptable to him.

Though the Chief Minister did not divulge the details of his talks with Ms Kidwai, he is believed to have recommend some names for the PCC chief’s post.

His supporters have apparently told the high command that either Capt Amarinder Singh be allowed to continue as PCC chief or someone recommended by him be appointed to the post. The Chief Minister is learnt to be keen on either Mr H S Hanspal, Mr Sant Ram Singla and Mr Gurmel Singh becoming the PCC chief.

However, the high command may not approve of a person who is seen as too close to the Chief Minister.

Mr Shamsher Singh Dullo, whose name has been doing the rounds as the front-runner for the post, also called on Ms Kidwai this evening.

While there is a possibility the high command delaying the decision on the PCC chief in Punjab under pressure from supporters of Capt Amarinder Singh, supporters of Haryana PCC chief Bhupinder Singh Hooda are also trying hard to not let their leader be replaced.

At least 12 DCC chiefs supporting Mr Hooda, including MLAs, met Congress President Sonia Gandhi today.