CONG TRYING TO POACH PARGAT

CHANDIGARH: The Congress is trying to poach Jalandhar Cantonment legislator Pargat Singh, whom the Shiromani Akali Dal suspended two days ago along with Inderbir Singh Bolaria.

Punjab Congress president Captain Amarinder Singh said his men were in touch with the former Indian hockey skipper to bring him into the party and he had given him the offer three months ago. Sources said efforts are on to fix their meeting.

Pargat denied any attempts by the Congress to contact him. “So far, I have received invitation from him (Amarinder) only through the media,” he said, adding that he had left the decision to his constituents. “I have asked 150 of them to collect public feedback,” he said.

Reminded that after PPPCongress merger, former PPP leader Jagbir Singh Brar had been promised Congress candidature from Jalandhar Cantonment, Amarinder said Pargat, being an iconic figure former national hockey captain, could contest and win from any seat. “I told him the Congress was his best option,” he said. Pargat said people were talking about the Aam Aadmi Party but he had unfinished business in his constituency.