Talwandi Sabo, April 14
The tension has not eased one bit. Former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh and PPCC chief Rajinder Kaur Bhattal today shared the dais at the Baisakhi conference here but looked in different directions. At the meeting, the facade was perfect; there were no fireworks.
After the meeting, however, they held separate press conferences. Amarinder accused Bhattal of being “self-centred” and she said “whosoever commits a wrong would have to face the music”.
The strains were visible among the rank and file of the party. Separate “welcome” shows were arranged as the leaders left Patiala for Talwandi Sabo.
Both leaders, however, were united in attacking the Akalis and the BJP.
First, the Congress MLAs filed in. It was followed by the entry of Jagmeet Singh Brar, member AICC, and Amarinder Singh. The PPCC chief arrived soon after and the presence of the two protagonists warmed up the gathering.
After speaking about the history and importance of Takht Damdama Sahib, also called ‘Guru Ki Kashi’, Brar took Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and SAD (B) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal to task. He criticised the Punjab CM for his defence of BJP stalwart L.K. Advani in connection with the anti-Sikh riots.
Capt Amarinder Singh explained the reason for his presence at Talwandi Sabo, saying that both he and his family were deeply connected with the holy land. Soon after, he launched a tirade against the CM and his son, raising questions about having a non-baptised Sikh as president of SAD.
He used the term “nikka jeha Badal” for Sukhbir, accusing him of incompetence and burdening the state.
After his speech, Amarinder left without waiting for Bhattal to complete her speech. But he was accompanied by only a few MLAs and a majority chose to stay back. Bhattal, thereafter, took charge and lashed out at the Badal government.
