A senior leader of the Awaaz-e-Punjab (AeP) front, led by former BJP leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, has told India Today that their outfit and Congress are in the last round of negotiations on a possible merger ahead of Punjab elections.

A decision on the merger of the Sidhu-led front with the Congress for Punjab polls is likely within a week.

This was concluded in a meeting of the front that took place yesterday at Sidhu's residence, the AeP leader said on the condition of anonymity.

TALKS STUCK ON LAST CONDITION



According to top sources, Congress has more or less agreed to the conditions of AeP. "Negotiations are now on the last condition. AeP wants a say in deciding all the 117 tickets in the state, which is being discussed now", he said.

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The AeP leader said that the ball was now in the Congress' court.

India Today has also learnt from sources both within the Aam Aadmi Party and AeP that talks between them at least formally are over and the possibility of any alliance between Kejriwal-led party and Sidhu-let AeP is unlikely.

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AWAAZ-e-PUNJAB REJECTS RUMOURS OF DIVIDE

AeP also dismissed rumours of any divide within the front. Top sources said all the 5 faces -- Navjot Singh Sidhu, his wife, Pargat Singh and Bains brothers were together and would fight unitedly as one unit. Sidhu remain the chief negotiator of the alliance.

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According to sources, Sidhu and Congress have agreed to the following formula.. Awaaz-e-Punjab will take Deputy + 1 cabinet berth if the alliance, once formed, comes to power. Sidhu then will have to decide whether he wants the deputy CM post for himself or the Lok Sabha seat from Amritsar, which will be vacated by Amrinder Singh if Congress wins Punjab.

India Today has also learnt Rahul Gandhi and Congress strategist Prashant Kishore have had a couple of meetings with Sidhu. A major hurdle now is Amarinder Singh's opposition to Sidhu being given a say in deciding who must be given tickets.