Punjab AG APS Deol accuses Sidhu of derailing drugs & sacrilege cases; CM backs legal team

As Navjot Singh Sidhu continues to target Charanjit Singh Channi-led Punjab government, state vocate General (AG) APS Deol on Saturday, alleged that Punjab Congress chief is 'obstructing govt' and is 'seeking to derail sacrilege cases and drugs matter'. Issuing a press statement, he said that Sidhu was 'spreing misinformation to gain political vantage over his colleagues'. He also accused 'vested interests' to malign Congress in view of coming elections in Punjab by politicising AG's office.

Punjab AG accuses Sidhu of 'derailing drugs & sacrilege cases'

Backing his legal team, Punjab CM Channi said, " Our lawyers have fought hard and got permission for interrogating Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in sacrilege cases. Our gurus issue will be solved soon. drugs matter is a serious matter of our state. sealed reports on drugs case which has been submitted to High Court will hopefully open in November 18. People who ruined Punjab have to answer".

Sidhu Vs Channi

After Channi's appointment as CM, Sidhu rebelled against Channi as new Punjab cabinet was finalised without his consideration. He was also miffed at induction of Rana Gurjeet Singh into cabinet and only Pargat Singh - among Sidhu loyalists - getting a portfolio of his choice, while Amarinder Singh loyalist - Brahm Mohindra got a plum post. Sidhu also opposed appointment of Iqbal Preet Singh Sahota and Amar Preet Singh Deol as DGP and AG respectively over links to 2015 sacrilege case, resigning as Congress state chief in protest.

While High Command urged Channi to not escalate issue, Channi refused to do so - telling same to Sidhu in a one-to-one meeting. Channi also reminded Sidhu that all cabinet positions were okayed by High Command and that AG and DGP appointments were under his purview alone. Both leers have met with High Command which is yet to find a breakthrough. While Sidhu has rescinded his resignation, Channi recently refused to accept APS Deol's resignation.

Punjab turmoil

Navjot Singh Sidhu and his supporters rebelled against n-CM Capt Amarinder Singh moving High Command claiming party's 18-point agenda was not being fulfilled. After many rounds of talks, Congress High Command picked Sidhu as Punjab Presh Congress Committee chief, inspite of CM's vehement opposition. Later, blindsided by CLP meeting called without his knowledge, 79-year-old Capt Amarinder Singh tendered his resignation from Punjab CM post and later quit Congress.

He was replaced by 58-year-old Dalit leer and Sidhu aide Charanjit Singh Channi. Meanwhile, Amarinder Singh has announced that he will float his own party and will contests on all seats, eyeing a tie-up with BJP. Punjab goes to polls in February 2022.