Akali workers hold protest against Khaira

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, April 29

SAD workers protested against Punjab Democratic Alliance (PDA) candidate from the Bathinda parliamentary seat Sukhpal Singh Khaira during his visit to the Civil Hospital in Goniana Mandi on Monday.

Khaira had gone to meet Harjit Singh who was admitted to the Civil Hospital after being allegedly beaten up by SAD workers for “questioning” Harsimrat Badal during a public meeting at Khemuana village on Sunday.

As Khaira reached the Civil Hospital, he enquired about Harjit Singh. The PDA candidate was told that the victim was not present there. After that, Khaira came out of the hospital. At the same time, SAD workers headed by Balkar Singh Brar started raising slogans against Khaira outside the hospital.

Brar said, “Such leaders are trying to disturb the atmosphere of Punjab and are doing politics on false issues. We should not support them. Harjit is an alcoholic person. In an inebriated condition, he was sent to a SAD programme to create ruckus.”

He said those showing black flags to Harsimrat Badal were Congress agents.

Jasvir Singh, SHO, Nehiawala police station, said, “Action will be taken after registering the statement of the victim.”

Punjabi Ekta Party leader Deepak Bansal, said, “On Monday, we went to the Civil Hospital of Goniana with Sukhpal Khaira to meet Harjeet Singh. But, we could not meet him. When we came out of the hospital, SAD workers started raising slogans.”

Khaira said, “It was a preplanned protest as I had posted a message on the social media regarding my visit to the Civil Hospital at Goniana. Due to it, SAD workers gathered there and staged a protest. I am not concerned about it at all.”