Anti-BJP sentiment among peasantry may benefit Punjab Congress

Rajmeet Singh

Chandigarh, February 22

With farmers being held up on the Punjab-Haryana border during their “Dilli Chalo” protest, the anti-BJP sentiment among the peasantry is playing to the advantage of the Punjab Congress.

BJP leaders want to join us: Warring

Sensing the public sentiment, their (BJP’s) leaders want to join us. Things will become clear after the farmers’ agitation in the coming days. The false reports of our party leaders joining the BJP are aimed at creating a narrative ahead of the General Election. Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, PPCC Chief

Amid the charged atmosphere over deaths and injuries to farmers during the ongoing agitation, Congress leaders feel that it would not be now easy for the BJP to “poach” leaders ahead of the General Election.

PPCC chief Amrinder Raja Warring denied any of their leaders was joining the BJP. “Rather, it is other way round. Sensing the public sentiment, their leaders want to join us. Things will become clear after the farmers’ agitation in the coming days,” he said. “The false reports of our party leaders joining the BJP are aimed at creating a narrative ahead of the General Election,” he added.

Gauging the public sentiment, the Congress has trained guns on the BJP-led NDA government and is accusing AAP of colluding with the Centre to derail the farm stir. CM Bhagwant Mann is also responsible for the death of a 22-year-old farmer at Khanauri.

Warring said the double face of the BJP was in the open. “The anti-Punjabi and anti-farmer stand of the Centre is exposed. They are not allowing farmers to reach Delhi,” he added.

BJP insiders agree that efforts are being made to woo certain leaders, including some former MLAs, but the farm stir has delayed the deliberations. “Things will become clear after this issue settles down,” said a senior leader.