To defeat Badals, let’s unite: Sidhu to rebels

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 21

Navjot Singh Sidhu today appealed to all Congress dissidents to come on one platform to defeat the SAD-BJP alliance.

Sidhu emphasised that no other party could beat the Congress in Punjab, if its workers were united. “No one can beat the Congress unless the Congress defeats itself. I appeal to all workers to bury their differences in the interest of Punjab and contribute unitedly in this ‘dharam yudh’. If we all join hands, no one can beat us,” he said.

Accusing the Badals of “looting” Punjab during their decade-long regime, he said the state had suffered due to their unending greed. He said: “You have seen their ‘sewa’ (service) which is 10 per cent service and 90 per cent ‘mewa’ (self-centered).” In his aggressive style, he equated Badals with a “handpump” which is dug deep and repeatedly called Sukhbir as “Sukha”. Sidhu’s call had a little impact. Out of three Congress rebels, only one chose to take a step back.

Rival’s appeal dismissed

Amritsar: Returning Officer (RO) Iqbaljit Singh on Saturday dismissed a plea filed against Navjot Singh Sidhu by his opponent from Amritsar East Rajesh Honey (BJP). Honey had asked the RO to cancel Sidhu’s candidature, alleging that the former MP had given a false declaration about his educational qualification and the details of the road rage case pending against him. The RO said, “Any objection was to be submitted by noon on January 19. But the objection was filed on Saturday, so it was not maintainable.” tns