Cong makes efforts to win over Akalis with clean image
Monday, 05/12/2016
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/politics/cong-makes-efforts-to-win-over-akalis-with-clean-image/332510.html
Chandigarh : Amid opposition to induct Akali leaders with a tainted image, Punjab Congress leaders are making efforts to woo those with a clean one.
After consensus on fielding turncoats such as Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Pargat Singh and Inderbir Bolaria from their constituencies, efforts are on to engage other rebel Akali leaders such as Bhaghapurana MLA Maheshinder Singh, and Nihal Singh Wala MLA Rajinder Kaur Bhagike.
The two leaders resigned from the SAD recently. They have indicated that they would contest from their constituencies as Independent candidates.
A senior Punjab Congress leader instrumental in engaging rebel Akali leaders said he was waiting for the first list of candidates expected to be announced by December 8 before engaging rebel Akali leaders who had been denied ticket by the SAD.
Both Bhagike and Maheshinder Singh denied having been approached by the Congress.
The party is looking for winnable candidates in Nihal Singh Wala, Moga and Bhaghapurana constituencies. Since a senior leader Darshan Brar is a contender from Bhaghapurana, the talks with the rebels can mature only after clarity on these seats, said sources.
The Congress also made efforts to win over Akali MP from Ferozepur Sher Singh Ghubaya, who is seeking ticket for his son Devender Singh from Rai-Sikh-dominated seats such as Jalalabad and Fazilka. The MP, however, denied any talks with the Congress.
“Rebel leaders should be asked to fight against titans such as Sukhbir Badal,” said Dr Mohinder Kumar Rinwa, one of the contenders from Fazilka.
