Manpreet’s show was also beyond expectations of his lieutenants as a large number of his supporters poured in from various parts of Punjab in the hope of the ousted finance minister making an announcement about the third front. He indicated that he might set up the third front during a conference at Khatkar Kalan on March 23 when the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh is observed. Despite putting up a united face, the Congress failed to match the two rivals in organising a big gathering. PCC chief Captain Amarinder Singh in his speech targeted the Badal family. Leaders of these three parties virtually blew the election bugle by launching scathing attack on each other and also indulging in a little bit of mud-slinging.

While driving here from his native Badal village, Sukhbir made it a point to pass through the Gidderbaha town that is considered a stronghold of Manpreet who represents the segment in the assembly.

A large number of activists of the youth wing of SAD greeted Sukhbir Singh by showering flower petals when he entered Gidderbaha. The crowd further swelled in Malout and he was caught in a traffic jam. Addressing the public meeting, CM Parkash Singh Badal and Sukhbir described breaking away of Manpreet from the SAD as unfortunate and said his ouster was inevitable because he was “indulging” in activities that were detrimental to the SAD.

They made it clear that they were not afraid of Manpreet’s Jago Punjab Yatra.

Parkash Singh Badal said he was pained that by parting ways with the SAD, Manpreet had created a wedge between “me and my younger brother Gurdass Badal (father of Manpreet)”. We brothers were commonly known as “Ram and Laxman”.

Although a clear picture of the strength of these three parties could not be assessed from the gathering in their respective camps, it has given an indication about the following they enjoy in the Malwa that is the largest region of Punjab. The Congress leadership would have to undertake an exercise to find out as to why despite a united face the party was unable to carry its supporters to its public meeting here.