Rajewal rules out tie-up with AAP; SSM to go solo
CHANDIGARH: Scotching all speculations about a possible tie-up with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Balbir Singh Rajewal, president of Sanyukt Samaj Morcha (SSM) --- a newly floated political outfit of farmers that has thrown its hat in the ring --- on Sunday made it clear that his party will go solo in the February 14 Punjab polls.
“The SSM is likely to release the first list of candidates this week,” Rajewal told reporters here. Interestingly, Rajewal — who was believed to be tilted towards the AAP, and was in touch with the party’s top leadership a few days ago — also alleged that the Arvind Kejriwal-led outfit had fielded corrupt candidates and was selling party tickets.
Rajewal’s announcement came after the meeting of key constituents of the SSM that was formed on December 25 after 19 of 32 farm organisations that were part of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) came together. The SKM, after a protested that stretched for a year, forced the Centre to repeal the three farm laws on November 19.
The constituents of SSM have issued an appeal to all farm organisations to come aboard. “We appeal to all farm bodies to stand united for the polls,” said Prem Singh Bhangu, an SSM leader. Apart from Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU), Ugrahan, the farm body that has the largest support base in the state, especially the Malwa belt, there are five farm bodies which are indecisive; eight farm bodies have unequivocally opposed the entry of farmers into politics.
Rajewal said he had also issued an appeal to long-time associate Joginder Singh Ugrahan, who leads BKU (Ugrahan), to support the SSM. “I am sure he will accept my appeal,” he added.
The SSM decided to clarify its stance on tie-up with AAP after BKU (Charuni), headed by Gurnam Singh Charuni, announced that it would name its candidates on Sunday. The Charuni faction has now agreed to wait. The SSM has also formed a committee on poll agenda that includes Charuni.
The SSM has also decided that prominent people from all section of society can join it and contest polls. “Applications from all sections of society will be scrutinised. The SSM has decided to formulate an agenda on which the election will be contested. For this purpose, committees have been constituted,” Bhangu added. A parliamentary committee, a screening committee and a manifesto committee have been formed.