Capt, Jarnail outsiders: Badal

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Lambi, January 19

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today completed a tour of all 72 villages in his home constituency, holding public meetings. Addressing a gathering at Badal village, he called himself a “relative” of the residents and his rivals – Capt Amarinder Singh and Jarnail Singh — as “outsiders”.

Replying to a query, he said, “Amarinder is not even aware of the total number of villages in this constituency. He doesn’t know anyone. I know every person. He can only register fake cases, nothing else.”

About Amarinder’s statement that the Badals were responsible for the incidents of desecration of Guru Granth Sahib, Badal said, “How can he hold us responsible for such incidents? You should ask him who is responsible for the attack on Harmandar Sahib, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and the construction of the SYL canal.”

Meanwhile, AAP candidate Jarnail Singh, too, visited some villages today. AAP convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to address rallies tomorrow.

Raninder launches father’s campaign

Amarinder’s son Raninder Singh here today launched the PPCC chief’s election campaign. During a visit to a few villages, Raninder sought votes for his father. “Don’t fear the Chief Minister and his cronies. Now, the whole state is saying that Capt Amarinder Singh will be the next Chief Minister. So, don’t worry and vote for him. All SAD leaders found responsible for unleashing terror will be sent behind bars.”

Before starting the campaign, Raninder met Congress workers at the residence of Maheshinder Singh Badal at Badal village. He was accompanied by Gurmeet Singh Khudian, president, district Congress committee, Muktsar. A former sarpanch of Karamgarh village and others joined the Congress. Some families joined the party at Arniwala village.