Little support, yet Panthic groups may impact outcome

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 17

The electoral battlefield in Punjab is dotted with fledgling parties that are trying to forge an alliance. Their common objective is to defeat the two main players — Congress and SAD-BJP —  in the hope of emerging as the third alternative.

Dissident Akali veterans, who have formed the SAD (Taksali), have thrown their hat in the ring. They have zeroed in on former Army Chief JJ Singh as the party’s Khadoor Sahib candidate. 

On the other hand, hardline Sikh leaders, who led the Bargari Morcha on the issue of desecration, have announced the candidature of United Akali Dal (UAD) president Mohkam Singh, also from Khadoor Sahib. Morcha general secretary Bhai Gurdeep Singh will contest from Bathinda, former MP and SAD (Amritsar) president Simranjit Singh Mann from Sangrur, and Bikramjit Sodhi from Sri Anandpur Sahib.

The agenda of both outfits is to rid the SGPC and Akal Takht of the Badals. But observers believe under the prevailing circumstances, it will be Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh who will have the last laugh. Prof Dr Kuldeep Singh, GNDU, says: “Both SAD (Taksali) and Bargari Morcha are eyeing Sikh votes. Any division of Panthic votes will eventually benefit the Congress, despite the fact the Congress government does not have much to show in terms of performance.

“I see a straight contest between the Congress and SAD-BJP. It is highly unlikely that Taksali leaders and other groups, even if they forge an alliance, will emerge as a force to reckon with, but they will surely eat into the Akali vote bank, placing the Congress in an advantageous position. As it is the influence of SAD (Taksali) is confined to a few constituencies in Majha. As far as the Bargari group is concerned, voters are seldom inclined towards parties whose chances of winning are negligible.”

Nonetheless, the SAD (Taksali), BSP, Punjab Ekta Party, SAD (Amritsar), and Lok Insaaf Party have come together under the umbrella of Punjab Democratic Alliance. Taksali leader SS Sekhwan admits there are some irritants, but claims these will be sorted out amicably.  Wary that a division of Panthic votes may benefit established parties, United Akali Dal general secretary Gurdeep Singh Bathinda says: “We are open to any discussion and won’t hesitate reviewing our list of candidates, if need be.”