Congress will go to Punjab polls with CM face after consulting party workers: Rahul Gandhi

Jalandhar: Rahul Gandhi at a virtual election rally in Jalandhar Cantt on Thursday declared that Congress's CM face in Punjab will be decided soon based on feedback from party workers, after admittedly telling Charanjit Singh Channi and Navjot Singh Sidhu that "two people can't lead."

"We will fulfil your demand for a Chief Minister candidate as soon as possible. Normally, we do not declare a Chief Minister face but if Congress workers want, we will select a face as well. But we will consult Congress workers. They will decide," Rahul Gandhi said.

The statement comes with a raging Navjot Sidhu versus Charanjit Singh Channi rivalry threatening to hurt the Congress campaign for next month's Punjab election.

"Two people can't lead, only one can lead. If one leads, the other has promised to extend all the support. Both have the Congress' thoughts in their heart."

Before the Congress leader spoke, the feuding leaders declared they would not hanker for the post or defy the party.

Navjot Sidhu "assured" Rahul Gandhi that he would accept his decision, no matter what.

"Like a disciplined soldier, I assure Rahul Gandhi that I will abide by his decision," he asserted.

At the same time, the Punjab Congress chief dropped unsubtle hints that he wanted more decision-making power and would not be treated like a "showpiece".

"We are all united...we are not fighting for TRPs - we are fighting to form the next government. For that, if need be you can bury me and I won't raise a voice. But give me decision-making power, and don't treat me like a showpiece," said the cricketer-turned-politician.

Chief Minister Channi attempted a show of unity as he called Mr Sidhu and other Congress colleagues closer.

"I am not after any post. You decide any name for Chief Minister and I will be the first one to canvass for him," Mr Channi said.

Mr Channi took over as Punjab Chief Minister in September after the Congress sacked Amarinder Singh, Mr Sidhu's arch-rival.

But Mr Sidhu's ties with the new Chief Minister have been far from smooth as neither is willing to pass up on the top job.

Punjab votes next month with four other states and the results will be declared on March 10.