Manpreet Badal, PPP president Chandigarh, May 2
Friday, 03/05/2013
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130503/punjab.htm#6
Various Sanjha Morcha constituents such as the People's Party of Punjab (PPP), the CPI and the Shiromani Akali Dal (Longowal) have reached an understanding with the Congress in certain districts to jointly contest the zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections for which polling will be held on May 19.
"It is an understanding of the Sanjha Morcha constituents with Congress leaders at the local level. But there is no electoral tie-up," said Manpreet Singh Badal, chairman of the morcha.
He said the morcha was keen to mark its presence in these elections. "But the task of adjustment of seats with other parties has been left with the local leaders," he said.
Senior CPI leader Dr Joginder Dayal said as local issues dominated in these elections, Sanjha Morcha leaders at the district level had been given a freehand to have an understanding with Congress leaders.
Dayal said besides Sangrur and Mansa, there would be adjustment of seats in certain sub-divisions of Patiala and other places where the morcha had a significant presence at the local level.
The Congress has left certain seats in Mansa, Patiala and Sangrur for the Sanjha Morcha.
Will this adjustment lead to a larger electoral understanding in the Lok Sabha elections? There was no response to this question from the Sanjha Morcha leaders, although one leader said in case of good outcome of this adjustment in these elections, it could certainly lead to a tie-up in the Lok Sabha elections.
Pradesh Congress president Partap Singh Bajwa has already hinted at an electoral adjustment with likeminded parties in the Lok Sabha elections in the state.
The Understanding
Besides Sangrur and Mansa, there will be adjustment of seats in certain sub-divisions of Patiala and other places where the morcha has a significant presence at the local level
The Congress has left certain seats in Mansa, Patiala and Sangrur for the Sanjha Morcha
