Sonia's intervention leads to 'ceasefire' in Punjab Cong

Patiala, Apr 22 (UNI) Congress president Sonia Gandhi's intervention has finally led to a ''ceasefire'' between Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh.

''The Congress president told both of us that if any one has a problem he or she should approach the party high command immediately rather than rushing to the media'', Mrs Bhattal said while talking to newspersons here today.

She claimed that Ms Gandhi had called both of them late last night and directed them to work jointly.

She said that Capt Singh has also assured the Congress president that he would not drag petty issues to the media.

When asked about the time limit of the ceasefire, Mrs Bhattal said that on her part she had assured Ms Gandhi that she would abide by her directions.

She hoped that after the meeting with the central party leaders Capt Singh would not continue with the road shows that he had undertaken during the last few days. Capt Singh had undertaken these road shows to meet party workers who had been targeted by the SAD-BJP government.

Mrs Bhattal claimed that there was no rift in the party rank and file. She said that some MLAs from Bathinda district who were staunch supporters of Capt Singh were in touch with her.

When asked about the absence of the presidents of the Patiala district Congress units (urban and rural) from today's ''rasta roko'' agitation to protest against delayed payment to farmers for the wheat being purchased by the government procurement agencies, she said that she would inquire about the absence and if they had no valid reason for staying away strict disciplinary action would be taken against them.

Earlier Mrs Bhattal while participating in the ''rasta roko'' agitation made a blistering attack on the Punjab government saying that her threat had moved the SAD-BJP government to announce timely payment for the farmers produce.

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