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SAD crisis will blow over soon: Barnala
From Tribune Reporters

BARNALA, Sept 25 — Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, former Union Fertiliser Minister, talking to reporters at his residence here today expressed hope that the current crisis in the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) would soon blow over.

Mr Barnala informed the reporters that he was trying to pacify his supporters and agitated SAD workers to strengthen the SAD in Sangrur district.

Today Mr Barnala appeared mellowed down to a great extent talking in a cordial tone.

Mr Barnala made it clear that he was making up his mind on his participation in September 27 Sunam byelection evening rally of the SAD in support of SAD nominee Parminder Singh Dhindsa, son of Union Sports Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa.

When asked about possible reshuffle in the SAD setup after Sunam Assembly byelection on September 29, he said the reshuffle could not be ruled out.

Mr Barnala admitted that whenever the SAD did split, its strength got weakened. He was strongly in favour of rejuvenation of the SAD and all Akali factions must unite.

However, he evaded every question regarding the outcome of September 29, Sunam Assembly by-poll offering no comment.

BIRKALAN: Mr Randeep Singh Surjewala, president, All-India Youth Congress (AIYC), announced that the entire cadre of the Punjab Youth Congress would man all 147 polling booths in the Sunam Assembly constituency on the polling day on September 29 as there were all possibilities of booth capturing in this byelection by the workers of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

Mr Surjewala was here to address an election rally in support of Mrs Parmeshwari Devi, Congress candidate for the Sunam Assembly byelection. He was accompanied by three general secretaries of the AIYC namely Mr Jasbir Singh Dimpa, Mr Rajesh Garg and Mr Anil Bhardwaj, besides Mr Devinder Singh Babbu, president of the Punjab Youth Congress.

Mr Surjewala also appealed to the voters of Sunam constituency to vote against the SAD candidate to issue a “fatwa” against the Badal government for the misdeeds committed by it.

Mr Surjewala also appealed to Mr Parkash Singh Badal, Punjab Chief Minister, and Mr Om Prakash Chautala, Haryana Chief Minister, to withdraw support from the BJP led central government of their respective political parties if they were really true friends of the farmers, otherwise they should leave crying that they were the real protectors of farmers’ interests.

SUNAM: Mr Sharda Prasad, election observer for the Sunam Assembly constituency, today admitted in a press note that various political parties were using vehicles for the purpose of canvassing without proper authorisation from the Returning Officer-cum-SDM, Sunam.

Mr Sharda has stated that this was a violation of the directions of the Election Commission of India and is punishable under chapter IX-A of the Indian Penal Code.

One injured: Mr Surjit Singh Bham, a younger brother of Mr Manjit Singh Bham, an Independent candidate, was injured when some miscreants allegedly attacked his car near Dhanaula village last night.

Mr Manjit Singh Bham said his brother was returning to his residence at Barnala after campaigning.

Identity cards: The Punjab Pradesh Congress today charged Shiromani Akali Dal with buying voter indentity cards to influence the by-election result.

In a statement at Patiala, PPCC vice-president and election office in charge, Mr Sant Ram Singla, said the Election Commission had been informed about the ‘callous’ attitude of the Sunam police.

He also alleged that the SAD was buying voter identity cards and ration cards of Scheduled Caste and Backward Caste voters. He claimed this was being done as they were traditionally Congress supporters.

The PPCC has also demanded appointment of at least 10 observers by the Election Commission in view of the sensitivity of the election.