Rebels may queer parties’ poll pitch

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, January 15

It’s celebration time at the house of former Hockey player and veteran politician Pargat Singh as reports of the declaration of his Congress candidature from Jalandhar Cantt created a buzz this evening.

However, the demographics of the Jalandhar Cantt constituency say it’s still an uphill climb for the man who won hearts with his stance on the Jamsher solid waste treatment plant. Soon after the announcement, Congress leader Jagbir Brar announced a big meeting at Pholariwal village on Monday to display his support base in the constituency. Brar, who had threatened to go independent against Pargat’s candidature, plays spoilsport to the smooth run Pargat might have had.

AAP and SAD face dissent

Notably, while the Aam Aadmi Party and the SAD faced rebellion as soon as their candidates were announced in Cantt, both parties started efforts on war footing, with leaders at the top pressing trying their best to pacify dissidents.

The Akali Dal pacified dissidents and ticket aspirants Charanjit Singh Channi, SGPC member Paramjit Singh Raipur and Sarabjot Singh Sabi of Youth Akali Dal after the candidature of Sarabjit Makkar. In the AAP, Rajbir Kaur, Major Singh, Jagdeep Gill and Dr Jasvir Kaur Gill among others picked up cudgels against their own party.

With direct intervention from the Deputy CM and plump posts to rebels in the SAD, and various meetings arranged with rebels by Punjab in-charge Sanjay Singh in the AAP, both the parties have now quelled the initial angst they faced. It’s been over a fortnight since their respective candidates started campaigning and tapping into the vote base.

After the recent road show of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal as well AAP candidate HS Walia’s campaign, the party has reportedly received fresh lease of life here in Jalandhar Cantt.

There were reports that a confident AAP had its own party after Pargat’s ticket announcement. An AAP activist of the area said “We have just distributed sweets. We have been to various areas, we know the minds of people. With 15 days to go for the elections, even if Jagbir Brar had been named the candidate, it wouldn’t have made a difference because the shift is already towards us. We have visited homes and tapped into the electorate. So, we have all the reason to celebrate. Even if Brar was made the candidate, the Congress’ votes were bound to suffer due to the rebellion within.”

Wooing leaders

When Pargat refused the post of CPS, staying true to his stance not to let the Jamsher solid waste treatment plant ruin the villages of Cantt, the panchayats of 22 villages organised a grand meeting to welcome him back. While Chetbani village sarpanch Kanwaljit Kaur had been at the forefront of this fight, with the elections ahead, it is this woman that all parties are now aiming to woo.

While Kanwaljit has steadfastly backed Pargat, she had also threatened to immolate herself if the Jamsher STP got constructed. She, along with Dairy Complex leader Balwinder Singh, had organised the gathering of 22 panchayats back then – which is also considered Cantt’s central vote bank.

While sources said both SAD leader Sarabjit Makkar and his wife have visited her many times, the AAP has also made many efforts to woo her into their camp. However, Kanwaljit, in these changed times, when contacted, gave out little. She said, “All I can say is that we are happy for the former MLA. We have backed him.” Commenting on her personal inclination in these elections, she said, “I am happy for Pargat Singh. Other than that, its’ very difficult to say anything this early. People are still making up their minds.”

New party, old candidate

Pargat Singh, speaking on the celebrations at home (his photo with garlands went viral earlier) said, “I had called a meeting of friends and during that very time the declaration came in. My supporters just displayed their love.”

Speaking on the rebellion he faces from within the Congress, Pargat said, “I will try my best to convince Jagbir Brar, rest, it all depends on the person’s own priorities.” While Pargat plans to meet Congress councillors and has a meeting in the urban area of Jalandhar Cantonment tomorrow, speaking on his campaign plans, he said, “I am a sportsman. When a match gets started, I believe in putting in best effort forward and I shall work with the very same spirit for the constituency.”