‘Huge space for a genuine regional party, we’ll fill it’

Sukhpal Khaira inherited politics. His father Sukhjinder Singh was an Akali leader and became Education Minister but died a Congressman. Khaira started his political career as a panchayat member from Ramgarh village in Kapurthala in 1992, but rose to fame when he defeated Akali giant Bibi Jagir Kaur from Bholath in the 2007 Assembly elections. In 2017, he was elected as an AAP candidate. In an interview with The Tribune reporter Vishav Bharti, he says that he formed Punjab Ekta Party (PEP) last year with an aim to give the voters a ‘genuine regional’ party. Excerpts:  

You are contesting from Bathinda. By dividing anti-Akali votes, will it not help Harsimrat Kaur Badal against whom you say is the main battle? 

It is a misconception being propagated by my opponents like Bhagwant Mann. Why did he go to Jalalabad himself? To ensure Sukhbir Badal’s victory? I feel that Punjab’s politics is being controlled by two big families — Badal family and Captain Amarinder’s family. And both these families need to be challenged. That’s what I want to do by contesting from Bathinda. It is a big decision of my life. It can finish my career also. I may win or lose, but Punjab must get rid of the Badal family.  

In Bathinda, Dera Sacha Sauda yields a lot of influence. Will you approach them for votes? 

The question doesn’t even arise. Instead of going to the dera, I will go for issue-based politics which is going to be decisive in this poll. 

There is a common view that you are being funded by anti-AAP forces.

It is a cock and bull story. Both Badal and Amarinder Singh are on the same page when it comes to hating Sukhpal Khaira.   

The common perception is that the contest is going to be between the Akalis and Congress? Will your alliance not play spoilsport?  

You will see the reality once the campaign builds up. It is an argument being fuelled by those who want only Badal and Captain families to rule the state. Just before the election in Pakistan, similar views were expressed that only Sharif and Bhutto families can rule Pakistan. You can see today that Imran Khan stands tall there. Punjab needs a third alternative and that is what we are trying to give.  

What is the future of PEP?  

After the crushing defeat of Shiromani Akali Dal, there is a huge vacuum for a genuine regional political party in Punjab. SAD got 26 per cent votes in 2014 and that was before the sacrilege incidents. It will lose more votes in this election. There is strong anti-incumbency against the Congress. We will get a major share from their votes as well. So, we are hoping that this election will be a beginning for us.