It’s SAD vs BJP in Amritsar’s ward 70
AMRITSAR Both the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), political allies for decades, are contesting the civic polls in the state jointly, but ward number 70 of the city is an exception, where both the are pitted against each other. However, they are con testing all other seats in the city on the seat-sharing basis.
As per the agreement, the B JP was supposed to contest polls on 50 seats out of 85, while the SAD was to contest 35 seats. The-Shiroman iA kali Dal had also given the ward 70 seat to its alliance partner, Bharatiya Janata Party .
However, in violation of the agreement, the Shir oman iA kali Dal also fielded its candidate, Pa wan Kumar Pam ma, and al lotted him the party symbol. The BJP workers strongly opposed this move, citing it as violation of the coalition dharma.
Hira Lal Digpal, who is candidate of the saffron party in the ward, had threatened to favour Congress candidates in the wards where Shir oman iA kali Dal candidates are contesting during the campaign.
“The Shir oman iA kali Dal has indulged in a wrongful practice by fielding its candidate against the BJP candidate. The party should withdraw his candidature,” he said. He has also lodged a complaint in this regard with the party’s state leadership.
Strange ly, former Akali minister Bi k ram Singh Ma ji thia campaigned for the SAD candidate on Thursday. He addressed a rally at the Anngarh locality urging voters to vote for Pamma.”
Confirming the campaign conducted by Maj it hi a in his support, Pam ma said ,“He is determined to contest the polls. However, the BJP candidate has joined hands with Vikas Soni, candidate of the Congress, to defeat me. He is also supporting Congress candidates from other wards, he said.
“Our talks with the A kali leadership are going on this issue. I hope, we will find a solution to the matter before the polls,” said Rajesh Honey, district president of the BJP.