Amarinder Singh expresses apprehensions over Sidhu's appointment as party chief in his letter to Sonia Gandhi

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday wrote a letter expressing his ‘displeasure’ to Sonia Gandhi, amidst speculations of Navjot Singh Sidhu being named the Congress’ state chief as party in-fighting continues.

Each passing day seems to bring a new twist in the tussle within the Punjab Congress. His letter to the Congress president is said to have voiced concerns against appointing Amritsar East MLA Navjot Singh Sidhu as the president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee and he is also said to have warned the party high command not to undermine the party unit and government in Punjab.

According to sources, CM has expressed that Sidhu’s working style would hurt the Congress. “Old party members will be angry, and the Congress will be split due to this,".

Congress MLA Rajkumar Verka has confirmed the letter, calling it a "suggestion note" by the Chief Minister on how castes need to be represented adequately in the party and the state cabinet.

The letter is written a day after supporters arrived at Navjot Singh Sidhu‘s residence on Friday, and fed each other sweets though no official announcement has been made.

On Thursday, Mr Sidhu held a meeting with six MLAs, including three ministers, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and Tript Rajinder Bajwa, who have openly rebelled against Mr Singh whereas the Chief Minister held discussions with party MLAs and MPs supporting him at his private farmhouse in Mohali.

When senior Congress leader Harish Rawat met Singh, amid reports that Navjot Singh Sidhu is likely to be appointed as the Punjab Congress chief, replacing Sunil Jakhar. "Amarinder Singh reiterated that whatever decision will be taken by the Congress president, it will be honored by him," Rawat told ANI.

The Congress leadership has been working out a formula for Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and Sidhu to work together. The party had set up a three-member panel, headed by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, to resolve the ongoing tussle, with just months before the next Assembly polls.