Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh today made it clear that the leaders refusing to toe the party line would be expelled.
Amarinder Singh’s statement came after some Congress leaders insisted on contesting Assembly polls against the party’s nominated candidates.
Offering an olive branch, Amarinder Singh said that he was committed to accommodating those, who withdrew from the fray in support of the party nominees, in key positions after the formation of the government.
However, he made it clear that the party would not accept defiance.
Party discipline would be maintained and the interests of the chosen candidates would be protected at all costs. Those who did not withdraw or retire from the contest, however, would be thrown out of the party and not allowed to ever come back, the PPCC chief said.
Amarinder along with AICC in-charge of Punjab affairs Asha Kumari has successfully quashed rebellion in most of the 20-odd constituencies where there have been reports of problem on this count.
The PPCC chief made it clear that there was no question of showing laxity towards those who continue to violate party discipline.
It was important, he said, to set a precedent so that the party polity and propriety is not violated. Party interests outweigh individual interests and all the candidates who have been allocated tickets have been chosen on the sole criteria of winnability, as well as in strict adherence to the one-family-one-ticket rule, he said.
Expressing his gratitude towards those who had agreed to withdraw from the poll fray, Amarinder said as loyal soldiers of the party it was the duty of all to follow the policies and accept the decisions of the high command. The last date for withdrawal of nomination for February 4 Assembly polls to 117 seats in Punjab is tomorrow.
(With PTI inputs)
