Kejriwal out to divert state’s riverwaters, claim Akalis

TALWANDI SABO (BATHINDA): At their Baisakhi conference here today, most SAD leaders targeted the Aam Aadmi Party, more particularly its national convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal over a number of issues, including the SYL and demolition of a piao (water kiosk) at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi.

(From right) Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal and Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal at the SAD rally in Talwandi Sabo on Wednesday. Photo: Vijay kumar

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Talwandi Sabo, April 13

At their Baisakhi conference here today, most SAD leaders targeted the Aam Aadmi Party, more particularly its national convener and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal over a number of issues, including the SYL and demolition of a piao (water kiosk) at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi.

However among the ruling Badals, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal slammed PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh, his deputy Sukhbir Badal spoke on Panthic issues, while Harsimrat Kaur Badal's six-minute-long speech was purely apolitical as she only talked about the religious importance of Baisakhi.

Badal appealed to people to intensify struggle against the construction of the SYL canal, terming it a "death warrant" for the state.

He termed both the Congress and AAP as the enemies of the state. He alleged both were working in tandem to deprive the state of its water by constructing the canal.

"Amarinder is misleading people by giving statements on this emotive issue. It is on record that he had welcomed the then PM Indira Gandhi to perform the ground-breaking ceremony of this canal," he claimed.

Sukhbir said: "The Panthic government will again come to power." He was quick to add that the government was of the poor people, farmers, traders, labourers and people from every community.

He compared Kejriwal with former PM Indira Gandhi, saying: "Indira Gandhi attacked the Golden Temple and Kejriwal attacked the sacred piao at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi. These people have no sympathy for Punjab and its people. Today is the foundation day of the Khalsa Panth and people living in other countries are also celebrating Baisakhi, but Kejriwal has cancelled the holiday on this occasion."

Sukhbir also reminded the people that if the SYL canal was built, this area would turn into a desert. "These topiwallas will take the water to Haryana and Delhi, if they came to power," he claimed.

Prominent leaders present on the occasion included Daljit Singh Cheema, Sikander Singh Maluka and Janmeja Singh Sekhon.

Protesting linemen gagged

Akali rally disrupted

Unemployed linemen along with their family members disrupted the Akali Dal's rally on several occasions. Police personnel and activists of the Youth Akali Dal overpowered them and forcibly took them away (pic). Swapan Sharma, SSP, Bathinda, said: "At least 26 protesters have been booked and taken into police custody for obstructing government officials in performing their duty and causing damage to the public property".

Empty patches at pandal

The Akali Dal leaders claimed to have utilised all their resources to make the rally a success by mobilising the maximum number of people. However, some portions of the "pandal" remained unoccupied. Unlike the Maghi Mela rally, this time even langars (community kitchen) were oragnised in the 'pandal'. Besides, the venue was located close to the Takht Damdama Sahib.

Pro-farmer slogans

The SAD leadership had installed two small hoardings on the top of the stage, with pro-farmer slogan "Ikko Naara, Kisan Pyara". Even during their speeches, Akali leaders repeatedly mentioned about the free power supply and tubewell connections to the farmers. The CM claimed the government did its best to tackle the whitefly attack on cotton crop and to address the concerns of sugarcane growers.