Ensure fair probe:AAP

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 24

The legislature wing of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today resolved to raise issues of public interest in the upcoming Vidhan Sabha session.

Leader of the Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira told reporters that the meeting resolved to demand a fair and impartial inquiry into the arrest of UK national Jagtar Singh Johal. The MLAs said it seemed that he was innocent.

Six of the 20 AAP MLAs skipped the meeting, citing personal reasons, including Baljinder Kaur and Amarjit Sandoya. Also conspicuous by his absence was HS Phoolka, who had initially supported Khaira on his decision not to resign following allegations of drug links. However, in a recent tweet, Phoolka had said he would go by the decision of the party MLAs on the matter.

Balwinder Singh Bains and Simarjit Singh Bains, both MLAs of AAP’s alliance partner Lok Insaaf Party (LIP), attended the meeting.

It was also resolved that the “witch-hunt” of AAP MLAs, especially Khaira, should stop immediately. Khaira said the Akalis had no locus standi to accuse anyone of drug smuggling. He has challenged SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal to a TV debate.

On the issues to be raised in the Vidhan Sabha, the meeting resolved that the cane price should be increased to Rs 330 per quintal, on a par with the rate fixed by Haryana.

The proposal to rename Dyal Singh Evening College as Vande Mataram Mahavidyalaya was condemned. The AAP-LIP leaders warned the state government over “back-door” attempts to retrench 54,000 anganwari workers on the pretext of a merger in pre-nursery schools.

They also urged the government not to shut down the state-owned thermal plants in Bathinda and Ropar.

Oppn working against state’s interests: CM

Chandigarh: Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh flayed the Opposition for raising doubts over the arrest of Johal. He accused them of acting against Punjab’s interests by echoing the statements of some foreign elements. Reacting to statements by SAD and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, in a statement here on Friday the CM termed their comments as unfortunate. By opting to side with those maligning the Punjab Police and the government these parties had exposed their lack of interest in the state’s welfare, he said. By making unfounded allegations, such pro-Khalistani elements were trying to disturb the state’s peace and harmony. There was a well-planned conspiracy at work in this whole affair, he added. From being allowed to talk to his family to having consular access, from his medical examination to his timely production in court, the due process of law had been followed, he pointed out. tns