Akalis threatening me to withdraw: AAP rebel

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, January 30

Former AAP leader Sumail Singh Sidhu, who is contesting the Khadoor Sahib bypoll as an independent candidate, today alleged he was being pressured to withdraw his candidature by Akali Dal leaders.

Sidhu has written to Parmod Kumar Gupta, general observer for the byelection, on the matter. Talking to the media, Sidhu alleged Charanjit Singh Brar, OSD to Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal, called him up yesterday.

“A day before the date of withdrawal of nominations, I got a call from Brar. He told me ‘khazane te kyon bojh pauna’ (why to burden the state exchequer). What should I make of such a communication. He clearly indicated me to opt of the contest,” Sidhu, a member of the Punjab Sanjhiwal Morcha, said.

Rejecting the charge, Brar said: “Sidhu is an old acquaintance of mine and the call was made only in good faith. He is portraying it as a threat as part of a publicity stunt. We know the result of the Khadoor Sahib byelection, so why waste public money, I asked him. Two parties have already boycotted the elections. So his choice would help us save the expenditure on the bypoll.”