Amarinder Singh's triumph marks Rahul Gandhi's tryst with steely old

NEW DELHI: The AICC on Friday announced the elevation of Captain Amarinder Singh as the Punjab PCC president, culminating Rahul Gandhi’s tryst with a steely and entrenched Congress satrap. The return of 73-year-old Singh as PPCC chief in poll-bound Punjab also advertised those campaigning for shunting out leaders above 60 were out of sync with Congress politics and reflexes of its leadership. Besides, facing the Akali Dal and AAP challenge, Singh is the only leader capable of rallying the state Congress before the polls.

Singh’s refusal to accept Rahul Gandhi’s handpicked PCC chief, PS Bajwa — appointed after brushing aside seniors — and the methods he deployed gave a demonstration of power politics. Singh not only stood firmly opposed but when he sensed resistance from Gandhi, went public against Rahul Gandhi’s political and organisational failures.

Many years ago, when the late K Karunakaran, a staunch loyalist of the Gandhi family, was about to revolt he was asked if he was defying the high command. "I am the high command," replied Karunakaran. The message was clear: Loyalty demands reciprocal measures that include giving satraps absolute power in their respective turfs.

Realising this, after his hand-picked PCC chiefs faced resistance, Rahul Gandhi has been publically praising the "experience" and "vision" of senior leaders. Once Singh was assured his wish-list would be fulfilled, he started praising Rahul Gandhi’s leadership skills. On Friday, too, Singh thanked the Gandhis and vowed to work for the unity of the party and encourage youth.

The simultaneous appointment of Ambika Soni, who has always been friendly with Singh, as the Chairman of the campaign committee would avoid the risk of a dual power centre in Punjab Congress but has triggered speculation whether she would be ejected as AICC general secretary. Going by Singh’s style and record, irrespective of the cosmetic balancing act to accommodate factions, he is bound to turn into the unquestioned leader of the Punjab Congress.