Khaira to remain official spokesperson of PPCC: Cong

Amid speculation over exclusion of former MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira in the new Punjab Congress Committee, AICC Secretary and incharge of Punjab affairs Harish Chaudhary today said that Khaira was already entrusted the work of party spokesman in the state.
"I categorically clarify that Sukhpal Singh Khaira continues to hold the position of official spokesperson, PPCC, and that all speculation emerging in the media about this be put to rest," Chaudhary said.
The press release was issued after speculation over Khaira not BEING included in the new jumbo PPCC announced by the party high command yesterday.
Khaira, an outspoken Congress leader in Punjab, does not get along well with various factions and speculation was rife about him being left out of the new Committee.

He was appointed one as of the party spokespersons on April 8 this year in an order issued by party general secretary Janardan Dwivedi.
Khaira was defeated in the last assembly polls by Bibi Jagir Kaur of Akali Dal from the Bholath assembly constituency, from where he had won againt her previously.

With an eye on the Lok Sabha polls, Sonia Gandhi yesterday appointed a new please-all jumbo Punjab Congress Committee, while taking together various factions and giving more responsibility to youth to help the party win more seats.
The new PCC with 14 vice presidents, 35 general secretaries, 61 secretaries and 148-member Executive Committee has accorded representation to all sections and regions.

As many as 34 veteran leaders have been made permanent invitees to the Executive Committee. The party has also announced 27 new urban and rural district presidents across the state.
The Committee's announcement looks like a please-all one with representation from all factions led by PCC chief Pratap Singh Bajwa, former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and that of Rajinder Kaur Bhattal besides others. Sons of some of the senior Congress leaders have also been adjusted.
Women representation in the jumbo panel is not high as there is only one vice president, two general secretaries and six secretaries.