M A I N   N E W S

Ludhiana Jingle
Miles of Congress rallyists
Amarjit Thind
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 14
Going by the turnout at the Congress rally here today, there could be no better time for the party to sound the bugle for the Assembly elections in the state. Traffic in the already chaotic city came to a virtual standstill as buses and trucks from all over the state, particularly the Malwa belt, made their way to the sprawling venue, which by the end of the day, proved to be too small for the sea of humanity that turned up to hear Congress leaders speak on development and other issues facing the people.

The Congress leaders, particularly Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, were upbeat and this was reflected in his speech when he said history was in the making.

Going by the turnout, the Chief Minister asserted that for the Akalis the writing was clearly visible on the wall. He particularly ridiculed Mr Sukhbir Badal, whom he described as a “small kid whom I remember on Children's Day today”.

Equating Badal Jr to Aurangzeb who imprisoned his father Shah Jahan to ascend the throne, the CM said Sukhbir was in a tearing hurry to assume power in the state. But his dream would remain unfulfilled as ”was established with the overwhelming turnout of the masses at today's rally.”

The PCC chief, Mr Shamsher Singh Dullo recalled the sacrifices made by the workers during the days of terrorism for bringing peace to the troubled state. Today’s success should be attributed to the workers who had ensured such a huge turnout. The rally has also proved that the Congress had worked hard for all sections of society, he added.

He also sounded a note of caution for the leaders who were deserting the Akalis and eyeing tickets for the Assembly poll.” We will ensure that the workers who have toiled hard should be rewarded for their selfless service,” he asserted.

Congress Working Committee member Jagmeet Singh Brar sounded a positive note today and praised the leadership of Capt Amarinder Singh. The CM had become so popular that if he decided to contest against Mr Badal from Lambi, the latter was certain to lose, he said.