Khaira has no base in state, says leader of opposition Cheema

The party is bigger than an individual. Many people formed their own parties in the past and they achieved little. HS CHEEMA, leader of opposition

RUPNAGAR : Leader of opposition in the Punjab assembly Harpal Singh Cheema has said that Aam Aadmi Party’s suspended leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira has no base in Punjab.

Talking to mediapersons here on Monday, Cheema said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was growing fast in the state and formation of new outfit by Khaira will not have any bearing on the party. He said the party was bigger than an individual. “Many people formed their own parties in the past and they achieved little,” he said.

In reply to a question regarding the demand of Khaira for autonomy to Punjab unit of the party, Cheema said the state unit was taking its own decisions and has announced five candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. “Khaira wanted autonomy for himself only,” he said.

Cheema said chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh wanted to save Badals in the Bargari sacrilege and Behbal Kalan firing cases.

On actor Akshay Kumar’s denial on meeting Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Cheema said every accused tend to deny involvement in a crime and the actor should join the investigation being conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

Cheema said health and education sectors in Punjab were in a shambles. The government has failed to check dengue.

Legislators Budh Ram and Amarjt Singh Sandoa and AAP’S Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha seat candidate Narinder Singh Shergill were present.