OPINION: Over to Bajwa ! Promote party and not individuals is the ‘Winning Mantara’

The appointment of Partap Singh Bajwa, Gurdaspur MP as the new  to replace Capt Amrinder Singh as new Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President was need of the hour in view of party’s second successive defeat in the assembly elections  which has tarnished image of the Congress party and demoralised its leaders. 

The demand for a change for leadership cropped up after the Congress lost last year’s assembly polls to DAD-BJP combine, which created history in the state by retaining power for the second time. The recent Moga bye poll verdict is believed to have compelled the High Command to take a decision especially when the Congress lost to Akalis after its candidate switched sides and contested as a SAD nominee. In fact, Sonia Gandhi had already indicated a change of guard when Capt.Amrinder met her a month ago. 

Capt Amrinder Singh does not seem to be a seasoned leader when he gives a statement that he was not consulted for replacement.  The election results were before him, which speaks itself as to how strong and sincere are its party leaders and workers. 

Instead of saying that it may not be a end of political journey for him, by Capt. Amrinder Singh, who was one time CM, MP and five time MLA, and will play a new role soon, he himself has asked the High Command to replace him to give a chance to someone else instead of giving vague statements which could damage his image in the eyes of senior leaders.

Since the Lok Sabha elections are due in the next year, Bajwa will be having a short and tough time to show his worth especially of stiff opposition from loyalists of Capt. Amrinder Singh when not a single party MLA has officially welcomed his appointment after announcement by the High Command.

Still with these odds, Bajwa is hopeful to do wonder which only the coming time will tell as to whether he would be able to take along with him all the party leaders including the loyalists of Capt. Amrinder Singh.

The use of muscle power, money and police force are the common things in the ruling party at the time of elections. But, in the past, the time has been wasted in levelling charges and counter charges on the SAD-BJP instead of uniting its own leaders, who had been speaking in the different tones which art has learned Sukhbir Singh Badal by visiting each individual person’s house on any rituality.  He had been promoting the party as well as the individuals while in Congress party, the stress has been made on establishing individuals’ identity instead of party.

The new President, Bajwa will have to form his own strategy first after studying the minds of party leaders and concentrate on certain points to prepare himself to make niche in the coming elections.

Firstly, Partap Singh Bajwa has to bring about unity among senior party leaders.

Secondly, to win the support and strength of his party workers, right from the lower level to upper level. 

Thirdly to concentrate more on rural areas where the Congress leaders could not reach and ruling alliance got the benefit out of this working style. 

Last but not the least, to bring the youths on the fore fronts that stand ignored but have high zeal to turn the tables.

Over to Bajwa!

(Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of City Air News.)