‘Isolated’ PPP opts out of political rally on Maghi Mela

Thursday, 07/01/2016

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BATHINDA: Already going through a phase of political isolation, the People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) has now decided not to hold a political rally during the historical Maghi Mela in Muktsar on January 14.

Earlier, Manpreet Singh Badal-led PPP had applied for mandatory approvals from the local administration to organise a political rally during the occasion.

However, PPP’s decision to barring itself from holding a rally may come as dejection for its workers, as other parties, including Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are going to show their strength through these political conferences.

Meanwhile, all these three political outfits have decided to sound poll bugle for the 2017 state assembly elections by making their respective rallies a success.

Though the PPP leadership backed their decision to maintaining the historical and religious importance of the occasion, lack of manpower in mobilising the workers and financial constraints were said to be the main reasons behind PPP’s decision.

It must be mentioned that though the party continued holding public meetings in different areas, it has not held any major rally over the years.

While speaking to Hindustan Times, Manpreet Badal, former finance minister and estranged nephew of Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, said PPP had opted out so as to maintain the sanctity of such religious fairs having historical significance.

“PPP has tried not to use stages of religious fairs—be it Fatehgarh Sahib, Maghi or Baisakhi celebrations— for political purposes. By turning these fairs into political arenas, the leaders of political parties only dilute religious significance of these events by using foul language in their speeches,” Manpreet said.

He added that they were also guilty of holding such rallies over the years.

When asked why PPP applied for mandatory permissions earlier, Manpreet said though there were plans to hold a rally, later, majority of PPP workers unanimously decided to opt out this time.

“Moreover, a lot of party money and budget is spent to bring people for the event, besides making other necessary arrangements,” he added.

Resting down the rumours of joining AAP during Maghi Mela, Manpreet said such reports have no base and authenticity.

Pertinently, the recent reports had suggested that Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann, who was Manpreet’s former colleague in PPP, was paving way for Manpreet entry into AAP.