M A I N   N E W S

Capt wants acting PPCC chief; backs Lal Singh for the post
Aman Sood
Tribune News Service

Backing Lal Singh for the task, Amarinder Singh told the party high command in New Delhi that it would be in the interest of the party to appoint an acting president for active coordination in the campaigning because all other senior leaders would be busy contesting elections in their respective constituencies.

Senior Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed has been informed. “I met Shakeel Ahmed recently and asked him to consider Lal Singh for the working president’s post. He is above factionalism and will make everyone work hard for a win in Punjab,” said Brahm Mohindra.

Amarinder Singh said he would back Lal Singh for the job. “He has earlier served in the same capacity in 2009 with success and was able to take all leaders together,” he said while addressing workers at a meeting at Lal Singh’s residence.

PPCC chief Partap Singh Bajwa refused comment. Lal Singh said he was ready to work for the party at any position. "I will abide with whatever decision the party takes and my priority now is to ensure all Congress candidates win", he said. “Lal Singh has always shared cordial terms with those appointed by the high command as PPCC chief,” said a Congress leader.

In 2009, Lal Singh had raised voice against the candidature of Preneet Kaur, wife of Amarinder Singh. But now there’s quid pro quo: Preneet would need Lal Singh's support for campaigning, while the Dakala MLA would need Amarinder's help in securing the post of the working president. Mohindra's name had figured on the list of leaders then considered for the PPCC top post.

In 2009, after Mohinder Singh Kaypee was declared Congress candidate from Jalandhar, the high command had appointed Lal Singh as the working president of the PPCC.