Quitting parties after 30 years, turncoats sure of victory

What is it that makes them shift their loyalties? Senior leaders, who remained associated with their parties for over 30 years, enjoyed the posts of councillor, mayor, deputy mayor, joined other party just ahead of the elections. Was it easy for them? Maybe not.

Jagdish Raja, 70, recently gave a shocker to everyone by leaving the Congress which he had joined in 1991. After 33-year loyalty, he joined AAP. Sources said he had some friction with other members of the Congress.

Jagdish Raja said, "I was impressed by the policies of AAP and the work they have been doing in the government, so I decided to join the party."

Raja, who remained five-time councillor and mayor in his last tenure, told The Tribune that he was not a contender for the post of mayor this time. "Even when I remained mayor last time, I am fighting for the post of councillor because I don't want to sit home and get sick. I want to keep on working, no matter what. And I know that this is how I will remain healthy as well."

Is he confident that his decision of shifting to AAP won't affect his chance of winning, "Not at all," he said. "I know I will win."

Kamaljit Bhatia, a senior leader is another example. He remained in SAD for 30 years. He was a senior deputy mayor as well, but he also joined AAP. Now his wife Jaspal Kaur, who was also with SAD and remained councillor, is now fighting from AAP.

"My time and work within the party and for the party was not respected, and I was getting step-motherly treatment by SAD which made me quit the party and change my path.

Jaspal Kaur said she has always worked for the betterment of her ward and would continue to do so. "No matter which party, I am here for my people and will always work and remain for them," she said.