New Delhi, May 4: Eyes on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress today appointed Sunil Kumar Jakhar, former minister and a staunch Capt Amarinder Singh loyalist, as the new president of the Punjab unit.
Jakhar, 63, who lost the Assembly election, will replace Capt Amarinder, who took oath as Chief Minister this March 17. Jakhar was Capt Amarinder’s choice for the post. Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi both endorsed it.
Jakhar said he would act as a bridge between the government and the party and ensure the grassroots connect of the Congress stayed intact. Jakhar’s appointment is strategic as the central leadership wants complete coordination between the government and the organisation to ensure a strong footing in the state where the party has only three Lok Sabha seats (Ludhiana, Amritsar and Jalandhar) of 13.
“We have challenges ahead. The LS poll of 2019 are just two years away. The organisation has to be strengthened. I will endeavour equally to ensure that election manifesto promises are fulfilled,” Jakhar said. He said he had sought an appointment with Rahul Gandhi for tomorrow.
A former minister in the Amarinder Singh cabinet, a three-time MLA from Abohar, and until recently Congress’ Legislature Party Leader in Punjab, Jakhar has been a die hard Amarinder loyalist.
News Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com
