Rahul Gandhi said today the Congress will soon announce a Chief Minister candidate in Punjab and the decision will be taken by workers. With a raging Navjot Sidhu versus Charanjit Singh Channi rivalry threatening to hurt the Congress campaign for next month's Punjab election, he stressed that "two people can't lead, only one can".
"We will fulfil your demand for a Chief Minister candidate as soon as possible. Normally, we do not declare a Chief Minister face but if Congress workers want, we will select a face as well. But we will consult Congress workers. They will decide," Rahul Gandhi said in Jalandhar on his daylong visit to Punjab to launch the party's campaign for next month's polls.
The party, which rules Punjab, had earlier said the decision would be taken only after the February 20 election.
Mr Gandhi made the comments with both Punjab Congress chief Navjot Sidhu and Chief Minister Charanjit Channi on stage; their swipes at each other have been getting louder and more embarrassing for the party by the day.
Mr Gandhi had a message for both and he also referred to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to drive it home.
"Two people can't lead, only one can lead. If one leads, the other has promised to extend all the support. Both have the Congress' thoughts in their heart."
Punjab, said Mr Gandhi, needs now is peace and brotherhood.
"Our experience is that hundreds of Congress workers have shed their blood. Come what may, we will never let anything disturb the peace in the state. We know how to take everyone along. I have learnt a lot from you all and learnt from Manmohan Singh," he said.
Before the Congress leader spoke, the feuding leaders declared they would not hanker for the post or defy the party.
Navjot Sidhu "assured" Rahul Gandhi that he would accept his decision, no matter what.
"Like a disciplined soldier, I assure Rahul Gandhi that I will abide by his decision," he asserted.
Navjot Sidhu vowed to support the chief ministerial pick like a "disciplined soldier" (File)
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