Shahkot campaign: Sidhu challenges Sukhbir to debate
Akali Dal was the party of Master Tara Singh and was known for its sacrifices. It has now been turned into a private limited company by the ‘jeejasaala’ (Sukhbir and brotherinlaw Majithia). NAVJOT SINGH SIDHU, minister
SHAHKOT(JALANDHAR): Challenging the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal to a debate on development issues, local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu claimed that Sukhbir was a big gossiper, who did nothing for the state.
Sidhu, the star campaigner for the Congress, was in the town on Day 1 of campaigning for the Shahkot bypoll to solicit votes for Congress candidate Hardev Singh Sherowalia, alias Ladi.
Sidhu held a series of public meetings, with Ladi and MLA Pargat Singh in tow.
“The Akali Dal was the party of Master Tara Singh and was known for its sacrifices. It has now been turned into a private limited company by the ‘Jeejasaala’ (Sukhbir and brother-inlaw Majithia). (Former chief minister) Parkash Singh Badal keeps the company of reputed leaders like (Ranjit Singh) Brahmpura, (Rattan Singh) Ajnala and (Virsa Singh) Valtoha; Sukhbir has the company of leaders like Lakhi, Bunty, Barkandi and Teenu,” Sidhu claimed, also referring to Sukhbir as a “Sukha gappi” (one who gossips). He interspersed his speech with poetry.
“Sukhbir had promised you that he will provide electricity free of cost. When power is not even available for 10 hours, it automatically gets free!” he added, sarcastically.
Targeting Majithia, he claimed that he was given a cabinet berth after becoming just a first-time MLA due to the affection between the ‘Jeeja-saala’. “The special task force’s report is out and it has clearly mentioned that Majithia used to sell ‘Chitta’ drugs in a red beacon car. All foreign smugglers used to stay at his place. Let the report come, I will get him punished,” he claimed.
On SAD Bathinda MP and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s statement that she would quit from her post, if the Centre failed to waive its share of GST in langar, Sidhu claimed, “The Akalis don’t even resign from the post of a sarpanch, how will they resign from a Union ministry.”
Meanwhile, cabinet minister Sundar Sham Arora, who is also holding meetings in support of Ladi, held public meetings with Arora families to gather the community’s support.