Congress entry stuck over merger deal

The negotiations between Congress and Navjot Singh Sidhu of Aawaz-e-Punjab are still on at different levels. The bone of contention is whether Mr Sidhu’s front will merge or make an alliance with the Congress. The Congress wants a merger while Aawaz-e-Punjab wants an alliance.

Sources said there is a division in Aawaz-e-Punjab as to what kind of relationship should be kept with the Congress. Currently, the front has three separate entities working on different levels, and Mr Sidhu is the one in touch with the Congress. The Bains brothers want an alliance with the Congress but not a merger. While Pargat Singh wants a Congress ticket; he even met Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh recently. Sources added that Mr Sidhu’s wife, Navjot kaur Sidhu, is still leaning towards the Aam Aadmi Party. High on recent poll surveys, the Congress is not keen on negotiating with the front on tickets or seats.

If there is a merger which happens Sidhu will be given a few tickets but the lions share will go the Congress and its state Chief Amarinder Singh.

There are also talks that Captain Amarinder Singh may give up his Lok Sabha seat of Amritsar and Sidhu might contest the by election. Though nothing has been crystallized yet but several options are still on the table. Interestingly Aawaz E Punjab says that everything should be sorted out within a week. The Congress Chief captain Amarinder Singh has also said that Sidhu is welcome in the Congress. As the time runs out the Congress wants to draw a hard bargain.