Harsimrat dares FM to poll fight

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, March 15

Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal today challenged Congress minister Manpreet Badal to name one major development or infrastructure project he had got for Bathinda in the past two years even as she asked the minister not to insult the 2014 mandate by maintaining that officers were responsible for the result.

In a statement here, Harsimrat said it was shocking that Manpreet was “denigrating the people of Bathinda by claiming that government officers had prevailed over them and influenced the voting pattern” that led to his convincing loss by 19,000 votes.

“It is clear that the 2014 loss still rankles in Manpreet’s mind. He cannot stomach the fact that he lost the parliamentary poll despite being the joint candidate of the Peoples Party of Punjab (PPP), Congress, CPI and proxy AAP. The manner in which he is venting ire against people speaks about his inner frustration. He should accept his loss gracefully and respect the public mandate. As far as I am concerned, I am always ready to contest against him. He is welcome for another round anytime,” she said.

‘Clarify position on dera affiliation’

Jalandhar: PCC chief Sunil Jakhar on Friday asked SAD chief Sukhbir Badal to clarify his stand on taking support of Dera Sacha Sauda for the LS poll. Reiterating that SAD leader Jagir Kaur had said it was for Sukhbir to explain party position on dera support, Jakhar said the statement proved that the party was still trying to negotiate with dera. TNS