Capt Amarinder terms Jakhar’s resignation as PPCC chief ‘unnecessary’
Chandigarh, May 27
Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has termed Sunil Jakhar’s resignation from the post of Punjab Congress chief as “totally unnecessary”, given the impressive performance of the party in the state.
“Had he discussed the matter with me I would have categorically advised him against quitting as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president,” said Capt Amarinder, in a statement issued here on Monday.
The chief minister said there was absolutely no reason for Jakhar to quit.
Other state Congress presidents had quit taking responsibility for the poor performance of the party in their respective states, he said, contrasting their case with that of Jakhar, under whose leadership the Punjab Congress had defied all electoral trends at the national level and that of the majority of the states.
Jakhar had led the PPCC to a great showing in these Lok Sabha elections, despite the pro-BJP wave across the country, and the state Congress needed him to further strengthen the party’s standing in Punjab, said Capt Amarinder.
On Jakhar’s own defeat from Gurdaspur, which he had cited as his reason for quitting, the chief minister said the PPCC chief was not to blame for the loss.
The people of Gurdaspur opted for star adulation against a seasoned politician who had worked hard for the development of the constituency in the past about 18 months, which did not at all reflect on Jakhar’s ability or capability, said Capt Amarinder.
The defeat of Jakhar at the hands of Bollywood star Sunny Deol was unfortunate and simply showed that polity in the country is yet to evolve, he said, expressing the hope that the people would eventually learn to take these critical decisions based on the quality of the candidate and not on account of his/her star value.
Capt Amarinder hoped the party high command would not accept Jakhar’s resignation, which was clearly the result of an emotional reaction.
While Jakhar’s spirit in serving his resignation could be respected, putting aside a hardworking and committed leader like him would send the wrong message down the rank and file of the Punjab Congress, he added.
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