Cong gears up for Tarn Taran byelection, slams state govt

Yodhbir Singh Sarli, Congress coordinator for the Tarn Taran Vidhan Sabha constituency, strongly condemned the state government for failing to provide a peaceful environment for the law-abiding residents of the border area. Sarli, who was addressing a gathering here on Saturday, called upon the Congress workers to dedicate themselves fully and work tirelessly for the party’s victory in the upcoming byelection in Tarn Taran. The seat fell vacant following the death of AAP MLA Dr Kashmir Singh Sohal on June 27, after a prolonged battle with cancer.

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The event was convened as part of preparations for the forthcoming byelection, and aimed to demonstrate party unity and mobilise support. The meeting was organised by the newly-appointed president of the Congress party’s city unit, Lakhwinder Singh ‘Lakhi Pagal’, son of the late Sardar Singh Pagal, a respected columnist and Congress leader. A large number of residents attended the gathering to pay tribute to Sardar Singh Pagal and express solidarity with the Congress in the upcoming electoral battle.

In his address, Sarli lashed out at the AAP-led state government, accusing it of pushing Punjab into heavy debt and failing to meet the expectations of the people. He emphasised that the public is disillusioned with the government’s performance and urged the Congress workers to be ready to work with full dedication for the success of the party’s chosen candidate.

Advocate Jagmeet Singh Gandiwind, state spokesperson for the Congress, echoed Sarli’s concerns, stating that development in the border villages has come to a halt over the past three years. He added that link roads in the region are in a severely dilapidated condition.

Several local leaders, including Rajbir Singh Bhullar, Ranjit Singh Rana Gandiwind, Maninderpal Singh Plasaur, Avtar Singh Taneja and Harsharan Singh Mallha, also addressed the gathering. Speaking in unison, they affirmed their commitment to wholeheartedly support whichever candidate the party selects for the byelection and pledged to abide by the party’s decision.