Amid standoff with Punjab CM, Sidhu shows solidarity, strength

Amritsar, July 21 In a first show of solidarity and strength, Punjab Congress unit's newly-appointed President Navjot Singh Sidhu, accompanying 62 legislators, comprising many state Cabinet ministers, on Wednesday paid obeisance at the Golden Temple here.

However, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, who is upset with Sidhu over his purported remarks against his government over the power crisis and the sacrilege issue, and his close confidants were conspicuously absent from Sidhu's maiden visit to his constituency and religious places here.

This was Sidhu's first visit to Amritsar after being appointed to the post by Congress President Sonia Gandhi on July 18, ending days of hectic lobbying and parleys within the Congress in Punjab.

Sidhu will assume charge at the Congress office in Chandigarh on July 23, said Kuljit Singh Nagra, the working President of the state unit.

He will be replacing outgoing President Sunil Jakhar, a prominent Hindu face who was at the helm for over four years.

Taking a jibe at the rivals, BJP national spokesman R.P. Singh tweeted, "Game on. Sidhu 62, Capt