Gen JJ Singh joins Akali Dal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 7

Former Chief of Army Staff Gen JJ Singh was inducted into the Akali fold here today. Fielded by the SAD from the Patiala Urban seat against Capt Amarinder Singh, Gen Singh said he would force the PPCC chief to leave his “qila”.

Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, who presented a siropa to the new entrant, said, “He was the first Sikh to lead the Indian Army. This General will defeat a Captain.”

Gen JJ Singh said his maternal and paternal families were from Patiala, rebutting the Congress allegation that he was a “paratrooper”.

“Phatte chak deyange,” he said, when asked how he would plan his campaign against Amarinder. “Unlike my opponent, known for his royal arrogance, my humility and humble roots in Patiala will help me get the voters’ support. Like a true soldier, I launch Operation Sampooran Fateh,” he added.

Sidhu likely to join Cong tomorrow

Amritsar: Former BJP MP Navjot Singh Sidhu is likely to join the Congress on January 9. His wife, Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, said Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi would induct him into the party. "Sidhu will arrive here on January 10 for campaigning in Amritsar East Assembly segment, from where he will be fielded," she said.  Dr Sidhu had won the seat on the BJP ticket in 2012. Sources said Sidhu would be joining the Congress at the party headquarters in Delhi in the presence of senior Punjab leaders. TNS

SGPC member Gora to join Cong today

Muktsar: Three-time SGPC member and SAD leader Gurpal Singh Gora will join the Congress on Sunday. His son Jagsir Singh was the OSD of SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal in the 2007 government. Gora said, “I was feeling suffocated in SAD. I will join the Congress tomorrow. I am not going for any post but for my self-respect. Manpreet Badal, Raja Warring and Ajaib Singh Bhatti will be there.” Gora, during the desecration incidents in Octoberlast year, had announced to quit the SGPC post. TNS

Akali leader’s son in AAP fold

Gidderbaha: Kuljeet Singh Monty Brar, son of senior SAD leader Sant Singh Brar, on Saturday joined AAP in Ludhiana. Monty was vice-president of the Youth Akali Dal (YAD), Malwa. His father had contested the Assembly election in 2012 from Gidderbaha on SAD ticket. This time, the party has given ticket to Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon from this constituency. Monty said: “I have joined AAP without any precondition. I will now work to strengthen our candidate Jagdeep Sandhu in Gidderbaha.” tns