Charuni expels activist Navdeep, father for fund misappropriation

Tribune News Service

Ambala, July 3

Taking disciplinary action against farmer leader Jai Singh and his son Navdeep, who was hailed as hero for turning off a water cannon last year, the Bharatiya Kisan Union, Charuni, has expelled them.

Following a verbal duel between Jai Singh and union leaders during a march in Panchkula on June 26, a five-member committee was constituted to take action in this matter. The committee has also accused Jai Singh and his son of misappropriating funds.

In a video released by the committee late last night, BKU’s (Charuni) Yamunanagar president Sanju Gundiana said, “Some union activists attempted to break the barricades in Panchkula on June 26. Jai and Navdeep had also abused the union leaders during the march. To investigate the matter, a five-member committee was formed which sought explanation from Jai Singh and Navdeep.

Gundiana said Navdeep didn’t appear and Jai failed to give any satisfactory reply. “They were given warning twice in the past too. Besides this, Jai Singh was also asked to give the details of donations he collected (for the agitation) but he failed to do so. The committee has decided to expel Navdeep and Jai Singh from the union,” he said.

Meanwhile, a section of farmers has come out in support of the duo. They say both had done a lot for the agitation and they were getting popular. The matter could have been resolved.

Jai Singh said, “We will continue to support the farmers’ struggle. I have given all the details of donations received and other things.”

On the other hand, Navdeep said, “There were some heated arguments and we accept it. All the allegations regarding the misuse of funds are baseless. The matter will be resolved soon.”

BKU, Charuni, chief Gurnam Singh said, “The committee, which was formed to investigate the issue, has given its decision and they have been expelled.”

Spat during Panchkula march

• Navdeep and his father Jai Singh had a spat with BKU leaders during the Panchkula march a week ago.
• Union says they were asked to give details of donations they collected for farmer agitation, but allegedly failed.
• Navdeep terms the allegations as baseless. Jai Singh says details have been given to the union.

BJP resents Charuni’s remarks

Karnal: BJP district body, led by the district president Yoginder Rana in the presence of the Karnal MP Sanjay Bhatia, passed a resolution against the BKU state president Gurnam Singh Charuni for his remarks against the CM Khattar, in which he allegedly referred to the CM as “Pakistani”. District president and the MP said the CM’s native village was Nidana in Rohtak district and his father Harbans Lal was a farmer. The CM was serving the state by taking all sections of society together, he added.