The speculation on Navjot Singh Sidhu, Awaaz-e-Punjab convenor, joining the Congress continued to grow with Punjab leaders discussing it with Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday. State unit chief Capt. Amarinder Singh denied the Sidhu issue was discussed at a meeting, where Congress’ Punjab in-charge Asha Kumari was present, but he added “all those willing to accept the Congress policies” were welcome to join.
Sources said there were informal talks between the Sidhu-led front and the Congress, but there was an impasse as Mr Sidhu wanted an alliance with the Congress while the latter wanted the former BJP MP to merge his outfit with the party.
It was also learnt that the Congress assured Mr Sidhu of a “major say” in ticket distribution. But with Amarinder Singh likely to get the lion’s share of seats, Mr Sidhu is likely to be left with just a handful.
