Punjab Congress President Sunil Jakhar is emphatic in calling for expulsion of Partap Singh Bajwa and Shamsher Singh Dullo from the party, saying that by asking for a CBI and ED probe in the hooch tragedy, they have crossed the ‘lakshman rekha’.
In an interview with THE WEEK, Jakhar accuses Bajwa of speaking in concert with the BJP, and points to the enhancement of Bajwa's security by the Union home ministry as a sign of a collusion between the two.
He says that Bajwa has betrayed not just the Congress but also the faith put in him by former party chief Rahul Gandhi who had stood by him in the face of demands for his removal as PCC chief.
Excerpts from the interview:
How worried are you with regard to the dissent of Partap Singh Bajwa and Shamsher Singh Dullo?
Bajwa and Dullo asking for CBI and ED probe in the hooch tragedy is as anti-party as it can get. They have crossed the ‘lakshman rekha’ and enough is enough. They have been at it for a while, and it is most unfortunate, especially since all efforts are being made to destabilise or undermine Congress governments everywhere. Somewhere along the line, one has to bite the bullet and stem the rot.
Why do you feel they are a fit case for expulsion from the party?
I have sent my report to the party high command, asking for their expulsion and explaining the reasons why I am seeking that action against them.
Their intention seems suspect when they say that they met the Governor, asked for CBI and ED inquiry, and then say that they will go to the Congress President.
Also, in the Rajya Sabha, where we have been trying to stall the BJP's designs, I do not know if we can really count on such people whose loyalties can be swayed by four additional gunmen. (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah ji has been benevolent enough to enhance Bajwa's security cover from Y to Z. When the chips are down, would they stand by the party?
The state government withdrew Bajwa's security cover following his outburst.
He has been provided security by Amit Shah ji, who has the uncanny ability to gauge a person's worth. He could gauge that all it would take to turn a so-called senior leader into a saboteur of his own party was enhancing his security. I would also like to know what letter he has written to the Home Minister. What is the threat that he perceives? Dr Manmohan Singh, Sonia ji, Rahul ji, Priyanka ji, their security was downgraded. He is the only person from the Opposition whose security has been enhanced.
How damaging can the dissent be for your government?
We have a very strong majority. Never before has Punjab seen a two-thirds majority, but this is how it starts. A very long rope was given to them. But over and over again, they have gone against their own government. We cannot compare them with Sachin Pilot or Jyotiraditya Scindia when it comes to the support that they can garner. I think it would be insulting those people.
If push comes to shove, Bajwa will be left with the four gunmen that Amit Shah ji has provided to him.
Is there a BJP link to the dissent?
They have sensed a chink in the armour which they are trying to exploit. The BJP has now come out on the streets. It was totally defunct. Now, they have come out supporting the same demand that has been vocalised by Bajwa. They are trying to instigate dissension within the party. As the opposition in Punjab, they have the right to exploit this opportunity which Bajwa and Dullo have given to them. They are acting in concert, but we are on a safe wicket.
Does the dissent have anything to do with Capt. Amarinder Singh's announcement that he will contest the 2022 Assembly elections?
Yes, I think so. It would mean another five years under Amarinder Singh's leadership, and by then, they would be out of contention. This is their desperation, egged on by instigation by friends in the BJP.
What hurts me the most is that they are not just betraying the party. They are betraying the faith of Rahul Gandhi. For three-and-a-half years, Rahul Gandhi stood by Bajwa like a rock. And he has put Rahul Gandhi in a spot now. Of course, it does not reflect as much on Rahul Gandhi as it does on Bajwa's character.
It is said that Bajwa and Capt. Amarinder Singh are friends-turned-foes.
Bajwa was at the most a colleague. He was never a friend. But Captain Sahab is a thorough gentleman and he has given him a very long rope. However, yet again, he has bitten the hand that fed him. And he will do the same to the Congress party.
