Capt denies it, but says Bansal is better choice

Patiala

Refuting any role in the denial of ticket to Navjot Singh Sidhu’s wife from Chandigarh, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday said she had been offered ticket from Amritsar and Bathinda, but she refused the same.

Ticket allocation was done by the Congress high command in Delhi, and they had chosen not to accept Navjot Kaur’s application to contest from Chandigarh, he said. Chandigarh was not under Punjab and he had no role the in selection of candidate from the UT, he added.

However, had he been asked, he would frankly told the high command that Pawan Bansal, the chosen candidate of the party, was a better choice, said Capt Amarinder, while interacting with mediapersons today.

To another question, the Chief Minister said he would take responsibility and would quit if the Congress was wiped out in the state in these elections. All ministers and MLAs have been made responsible for the Congress’ performance in the state, and he shared the responsibility with them, he said.

The party high command had decided to hold the ministers and legislators accountable for the victory/defeat of the Congress candidates, he pointed out, adding that he was ready to take the same responsibility for the state, but was confident of a sweeping victory for the party in Punjab.

Like others, he was also responsible for the party’s performance, said Capt Amarinder, quipping, “If Congress is wiped out in Punjab in these polls, what do you think I will do? Obviously I will accept responsibility and resign.”

Navjot Kaur had, on Wednesday, alleged that it was Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and party general secretary incharge for Punjab Asha Kumari who ensured that she was denied the LS ticket from Amritsar.

Sidhu’s wife was offered ticket from Amritsar and Bathinda, but she refused. Ticket allocation is done by the high command and they had chosen not to accept Navjot’s application to contest from Chandigarh. I have no role in the selection of candidate from the UT. —Capt Amarinder Singh, Chief Minister