Cong rally: ‘Anti-govt’ sentiment at play

Wednesday, 16/12/2015

http://www.indiapress.org/gen/news.php/The_Tribune/

Bathinda : Political analysts today termed the “massive” crowd at the Congress rally here a result of anti-government sentiment prevailing in the state. Even those present at the rally echoed similar views.

“This crowd is not pro-Congress, it is pro-Captain and anti-SAD. A large part of the crowd comprises people who are disappointed with the SAD-BJP government but at the same time, they are not sure about aligning with the Congress. They have come here to hear what the Congress has to offer under Captain’s leadership,” said 68-year-old Amarpreet Singh Sidhu, who came to the rally from Jalandhar.

His was also the general sentiment of the crowd that strengthened the Badlav rally at Pearls Township here.

Moga-resident Kamaldeep Singh didn’t care much about his physical disability and reached the rally venue as early as 10 am to make sure that he didn’t get stuck in traffic. “Thousands of physically-handicapped residents have been waiting to get pension but the ministers have pocketed their money. What else can we expect from the Akali government now,” he said as he struggled his way through the crowd and sat atop a bus to watch the rally proceedings.

“All my life, I have been an Akali supporter, but after my eldest son committed suicide three years ago due to his inability to repay loan, I lost faith in the party. I am not a Congress supporter but I want to see what Captain has to offer,” said Jujhar Singh, a farmer from Katarsingh Wala.

“We all knew that there will be no live telecast of the rally and these days one cannot rely on what others say. So I decided to have first-hand information,” said Sulakhan Singh, who came from Doomwali village, near Haryana border.

Similar views were expressed by Ginder Singh, who reached at the venue as early as 6.30 am and was among the last to leave the place. “I could not resist to be part of the rally as this time no Congress leader turned up to persuade anyone. Most people have come on their own,” he said.

Rajan Garg, district Congress president, claimed: “The rally was a huge success. The mood of the people was positive. The panthic war cries and the religious touch in Captain’s speech thrilled the audience.” There were reports of traffic jams at several places. Swapan Sharma, SSP, said though minor blockades were reported, the rally concluded peacefully.