In a major development that will have significant impact and improve the Congress prospects in Malwa region, former MLA and senior Akali leader Bhai Harnirpal Singh Kukku and another prominent Akali leader Jabar Jang Singh Brar today joined the Congress. They were welcomed into the party fold by the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh here today.
Talking to reporters Bhai Kukku, a former MLA from Muktsar, said that a situation had been created whereby it was difficult to stay in the Akali Dal. He said, he believed that the Congress was the better and the right choice as it was the only party that could retrieve Punjab from the situation it was in right now.
Welcoming Bhai Kukku and Mr Brar into the party fold, Capt Amarinder said, it was a positive and powerful indication that people were inclined towards the Congress and the party was certain to sweep the coming elections. He said, with the joining of two senior Akali leaders today, the party’s performance will certainly improve in the Malwa region.
He pointed out, the very fact that senior and prominent leaders like Bhai Kukku were leaving the party should be enough indication for the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal and his son Mr Sukhbir Badal that their final countdown had started and their days in power were numbered. He said, since the party had no agenda for the state it was natural for the senior and sincere leaders to look for other options to save Punjab.
Asked whether some more people were expected to join the party, Capt Amarinder remarked, “wait and watch and everything will be in front of you in due course of time”. He said, some more senior leaders from both BJP as were in direct contact with the party and they will be inducted in the coming days.
The former Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Election Commission of India in ensuring free and fair polls and bringing the guilty officials to the book. He welcomed the removal of Ludhiana SSP (Vigilance) SS Mand to Uttrakhand and said this should convey a message to those who were trying to succumb to the Akalis’ pressure.
He said, he had seen the EC officials and police personnel searching the vehicles. He said, this will set a very good precedent as also prevent the misuse of money power.
The PCC President said, most of the rebels from the Congress had withdrawn and joined the party campaign and the remaining few will come around soon. He said, he was in constant touch with all of them and by the last date of the withdrawal of the nominations there will be no rebel from the Congress in the fray.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included senior party leader Avtar Brar, Ms Karan Brar, Ripjit Brar, Nathu Ram, Raja Warring, Kushaldeep Kikki Dhillon and others.