Had invited Captain for mass contact drive: Bajwa
Tuesday, 23/06/2015
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MANSA: Punjab Congress chief Partap Singh Bajwa on Monday said he had “invited” former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh to join the party’s campaign to consolidate the Dalit vote bank.
Bajwa, who visited the Dalitdominated villages in Mansa, said: “Amarinder is like my elder brother and I’ve asked him several times to participate in party’s mass contact programmes. There is confusion about leadership among party’s workers. But I know they want us to put up a united face.”
“The question of leadership is something which can be sorted out after the elections,” said Bajwa. “Though we have differences of opinion, he (Captain) should come forward and support the party’s campaign,” he said.
Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bajwa said yoga was an ancient practice that has been commercialised by the PM for PR gains. “The PM is publicising and commodifying it. Ramdev teaches people special breathing techniques. But Badals have choked the people of Punjab. They can’t even breathe, how will they practice yoga?” questioned Bajwa.
The state Congress chief criticised the ruling Akali Dal for the plight of farmers in the state and showered praises on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi for raising farmers’ issues. “Chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has turned a deaf ear to farmers. It was only after Rahul Gandhi visit to Fatehgarh Sahib, the plight of farmers was highlighted and the process to lift grains was expedited,” said Bajwa.
Later, the Congress leader interacted with local residents and promised that their suggestions would be included in the party’s manifesto for the upcoming assembly elections. “Akalis have failed to fulfil their poll promises. We have decided to take people’s suggestions and design our manifesto accordingly,” said Bajwa.
The programme was attended by Sardulgarh MLA Ajit Inder Singh Mofar, Rampal Dhaipi, Hans Raj Joshan, Kulwant Singla and others.
