Singh, who met party supremo Sonia Gandhi on Friday, has denied that he was mulling options outside Congress. But, sources said, he has indirectly told the leadership that it would be curtains for him if Bajwa continues.
The former CM has said in his conversations with leaders that his politics is Punjab-based and he is without work in the absence of a leadership position in the state. There have been phrases like "almost retirement for me" to underline the urgency.
READ ALSO: Revolt in Punjab Congress, Amarinder seeks Bajwa's ouster
Singh is deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha but did not attend the winter session of parliament.
The ultimatum of sorts is bound to push Congress into a tough balancing act of heeding Singh's demand without appearing to be giving in to his brinkmanship. A decision in coming weeks would indicate who comes out winner in the battle of wits.
The Punjab unit of Congress has been mired in infighting since the Lok Sabha polls when a personal victory for Amarinder Singh from Amritsar encouraged him to reassert his position that he had lost by presiding over a second successive defeat in the assembly elections to Akali Dal. That Congress fared poorly in the Lok Sabha elections despite the anti-Akali mood provided him with the opening to target PCC chief Bajwa.
The Punjab drama is another challenge for the Congress brass, with increasing signs that satraps are feeling emboldened to up the ante in the wake of the Lok Sabha defeat.
Many recall how Virbhadra Singh wrested the reins of Himachal Pradesh unit by threatening to quit ahead of 2012 assembly elections. He managed to win and then became the chief minister. Eyebrows are also being raised at the statements of former CM Sheila Dikshit viewed by many as damaging for the party.
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