Son has right to seek ticket: Sodhi

ibune News Service

Malerkotla, January 17

Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi said today that he had not sought ticket for his son and there was nothing wrong if his son seeks ticket from Ferozpur for the forthcoming elections as he had been working for the party for the last many years.

The minister was here to preside over a state-level function organised in the memory of the Kuka martyrs.

“I am not demanding ticket for my son, but if he wants to contest, he has all the right to seek ticket on the basis of his contribution to the party. If the party feels he is fit for the ticket, it should not be taken as dynasty politics. Deserving candidate can come from any family,” he said.

About suspension of MLA Kulbir Singh Zira for indiscipline, he said Zira should have raised his complaints with party leaders rather than raising the issue publicly.

“Our party is a democratic party and everyone is given a chance to speak. Zira should have talked to party leaders,” he added.

Later, he announced Rs 10-lakh grant for the upkeep of the memorial in Malerkotla.

“An astroturf for Bhaini Sahib has been sanctioned and work for it will start after the forthcoming state Budget session,” he said.

Surinder Singh, president, Vishav Namdhari Sangat, said both state and Central governments should help them in highlighting the sacrifice of the martyrs.

“Though we have been making efforts to highlight the sacrifice of the martyrs, without government’s help it cannot be done. We have also been trying to get 67 acres of defence land that is lying unused here. We hope the CM will take up the matter of land with the Union Defence Ministry,” he added.