AAP storm may give rise to fourth front

Friday, 02/09/2016

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/aap-storm-may-give-rise-to-fourth-front/289035.html

Chandigarh : Political churning in Punjab seems to be paving way for the formation of a fourth front with the support of “splinter” but strong leaders who have parted ways with their parent political parties.

Though none of these leaders are willing to openly comment on the issue, they agree that they “are in regular touch as there is a chance and space for a credible fourth front”.

Prof Manjit Singh, president, Swaraj Party, said he and other members of the recently-launched political outfit were “in touch with all right-thinking people, who are trusted by Punjabis to provide credible leadership”.

“I have held talks with some leaders who are no longer affiliated with any of the three parties in the fray,” he said.

Former AAP state convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur, suspended AAP MP Dharamvira Gandhi and leaders of the Swaraj Party are all weighing their options of setting up a fourth front. Sources close to Chhotepur said he would first tour all districts and reassure the cadre created by him for AAP before aligning with other splinter groups.

Both Chhotepur and Gandhi seem to have burnt their bridges with the AAP leadership, while the Sidhu couple (former Rajya Sabha MP Navjot Singh Sidhu and his MLA wife Navjot Kaur Sidhu) too seems to be on a sticky wicket after their outburst against the SAD-BJP and the apparent “indecision” on joining AAP.

Akali MLA and Olympian Pargat Singh too is reportedly weighing his options after a “not-so-sweet” break-up with the Akali Dal. The Bains brothers — MLAs Simarjit Singh Bains and Balwinder Singh Bains — known for their outbursts and activism against the Akalis, too, could be approached, reveal sources.

Though former Congress strongman Jagmeet Singh Brar, whose Lokhit Abhiyan has been gradually garnering support, too was reportedly approached to be part of this front, he seems to be undecided. Denying that he has been approached, Brar told The Tribune that he was willing to align with parties other than the Congress and the Akali Dal that provide an alternative to the dynastic and feudalistic politics of Punjab and steer the state away from agrarian crisis and drug menace.

Admitting that he had met AAP leaders in Delhi earlier this week, he said like-minded persons should get together on issue-based political alliance.

“I feel that the creation of a fourth front will only benefit the Akalis or the Congress as more division of votes will strengthen the two parties. We can have a working relationship on issue-based politics and can reach a consensus with AAP,” he said.