Pargat Singh calls it case of horse-trading

Jalandhar, June 20

Congress leader and Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh today objected to the grant of jobs to the sons of two MLAs by the Cabinet, calling it a clear case of “horse-trading”. He is the latest to join several Congress leaders and Cabinet ministers who have opposed the move.

Speaking to mediapersons, he said such decisions were detrimental to the image of the Congress government ahead of the 2022 elections. Lauding the five Cabinet ministers for opposing the decision, Pargat said he was surprised CM Capt Amarinder Singh was unmoved despite widespread opposition in the Cabinet. He sought immediate withdrawal of the decision.

Pargat said: “I don’t know what parameters were adopted to grant them jobs. Clearly they have not been chosen on compassionate grounds. What kind of perception do we want to create? Despite opposition by Cabinet ministers, the CM is siding with the two MLAs. If this is not horse-trading what else is? The message is clear — the CM will do what he wants, even if five ministers oppose it.”

“There are those who laid down lives for the country, families of policemen who died during terrorism, 450 farmers who lost lives during the kisan morcha, why isn’t there a special quota for them. They are being ignored to favour 2 MLAs. The decision should immediately be withdrawn,” he said, adding the move would have serious repercussions for the Congress. — TNS

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