Sidhu backs Manpreet critic as Cong nominee from Bathinda rural

BATHINDA: Punjab Congress president Navjot Sidhu on Monday backed Harvinder Singh Laddi, a staunch critic of finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal, as a candidate for the Bathinda Rural segment. Manpreet represents the adjoining Bathinda Urban seat.

At a rally that Laddi had organised at Naruana village, Sidhu took potshots at chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi over police cane-charging unemployed teachers in Mansa last week, and the delay in disbursement of compensation to farmers whose cotton was damaged due to the pink bollworm pest attack. He added that new low sand rates announced by the state government were not reflected on ground, as mafia was active.

Laddi has been accusing Manpreet and his aides of interference on his (former’s) political turf. “He braved political and administrative odds during the Congress-led government. I will fight back all those who created hurdles for Laddi. Being the state Congress president, I will be there for Laddi’s victory,” Sidhu added.

Throws weight behind sitting Bassi Pathana MLA

With chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi’s brother eyeing the Congress ticket from Bassi Pathana, Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu on Monday appeared to throw his weight behind the sitting party MLA Gurpreet Singh GP.

Sidhu announced that he will inaugurate GP’s office in the assembly constituency next week “With my younger brother Gurpreet GP. Will inaugurate his office in his constituency Bassi Pathana on the 23rd of December… Promising future of the Cong (sic),” Sidhu tweeted with a photo of him and GP.

Channi’s younger brother Dr Manohar Singh, who was senior medical officer (SMO) and has resigned from the service recently, is keen to contest the assembly elections from Bassi Pathana in Fatehgarh Sahib district. Both Singh and GP have also been criticizing each other.

Veiled attack on CM Channi

Later at a press conference, Sidhu said the incident of thrashing teachers demanding jobs was lamentable. On Friday, a group of teachers faced police action after they raised slogans against the Congress government. After the cane-charge, CM Channi said the government would not entertain any union that tries to disrupt political functions.

“Such an incident cannot be justified as the protesters did not indulge in violence. I stand by them,” Sidhu said.