Punjab Congress Crisis: Navjot Sidhu is "not fit for the border state of Punjab", Amarinder Singh tweeted
Shortly after Navjot Singh Sidhu resigned as Punjab Congress chief, his rival and chief critic Amarinder Singh served his 'told-ya' taunt to the stunned Gandhis. "I told you so... he is not a stable man and not fit for the border state of Punjab," tweeted the 79-year-old, whose exit as Chief Minister was ascribed to Navjot Sidhu.
Navjot Sidhu's shocker coincided with Amarinder Singh's trip to Delhi and furious speculation that he would meet with BJP leaders Amit Shah and JP Nadda. The Captain, however, told reporters he had come to the city only to vacate the Kapurthala Home for Charanjit Singh Channi, his successor.
"I will go home, collect my belongings, and return to Punjab tomorrow. I won't meet any politician, I am just here to vacate my home," he told reporters.
Mr Singh's aide had also tweeted a denial. "Too much being read into Captain Amarinder's visit to Delhi. He's on a personal visit, during which he'll meet some friends and also vacate Kapurthala house for the new Chief Minister. No need for any unnecessary speculation," tweeted Raveen Thukral.
For the Captain, who resigned on September 18 citing repeated humiliation by the party, vindication came much sooner than he may have expected.
Just two days after he quit, the Congress replaced him with Charanjit Singh Channi, who was seen to be close to Navjot Sidhu.
After being forced out, Mr Singh gave a flurry of interviews calling Navjot Sidhu a "drama master" and "dangerous for Punjab". He also criticised Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, calling them "inexperienced and misguided" for backing Mr Sidhu.
"I would not have taken MLAs on a flight to Goa or some place. That is not how I operate. I don't do gimmicks, and the Gandhi siblings know that is not my way... Priyanka and Rahul are like my children... this should not have ended like this. I am hurt," he had said.
Questioning Mr Sidhu's competence, he had accused him of not clearing a single file as state minister.