Early SAD poll list has mixed reaction in Faridkot,party faces dissent

The growing resentment against Malhotra is forcing many Akali leaders and workers to the Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon camp. Before joining the Manpreet Singh Badal-led People’s Party of Punjab,Kushaldeep was an important member of the SAD(B). His differences with Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal led him to being sidelined before Kushaldeep finally left the SAD for the PPP. He,however,joined the Congress recently. In the last two days,Kushaldeep is said to have organised meetings at his residence in an attempt to woo Akali councillors and workers unhappy with the party’s decision to field Deep Malhotra ,to the Congress. Kushaldeep is also being tipped for the Congress ticket from Faridkot.

As more Akali leaders consider moving away from the party,it is indicative of a recent trend in the area. Old-timers are no longer part of the party. Amardeep Singh Bassi,a Takslai Akali leader and the president of the Faridkot Nagar Council died in a road accident in April this year. His family is no where to be seen in these polls. Karam Singh Dhaliwal another well known Akali leader left the party some three years ago to join the Congress. Gurtej Singh Gill who is said to be close to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is also now in Congress and the SAD(B) threw out two of its well known local leaders on Sunday for anti-party activities: Rajwinder Singh and Khushwinder Singh.

Malhotra,on the other hand,defends his party’s decision to field him. “My business interests keep me on the move all the time but people should understand the fact that my stake in the growth of Punjab is directly linked. If Punjab grows so does my business. Why will I not work for this state,”asks Malhotra.