Junior Jakhar is leader of oppn in Badal’s watch

Jakhar replaces Rajinder Kaur Bhattal as murmurs of resentment in Congress rank and file were getting louder against the status quo.

Other than his Hindu credentials,Jakhar’s track record in last 10 years within the Assembly — he was first elected MLA in 2002 — stood him in good stead. Both articulate and vocal against the policies of Badal government,Jakhar had cornered them in the last Assembly on issues like non-utilisation of grants under MNREGA,alleged bungling in distribution of kerosene under PDS,undeserving families in list of ruling party’s populist atta-dal scheme,scholarships for SC students,etc. His mild demeanour had kept him in good books of even the treasury benches.

Jakhar’s elevation is being seen as a new thinking in the Congress to counter the Akali-BJP government. A graduate in economics with a MBA degree,Jakhar will be able to lead Congress charge on economic policies of the government. In the last Assembly,he was a member of the House’s Estimates Committee.

In political terms,it is being viewed as a snub to Bhattal,who was willing to give up her claim to the chair in case Patiala Rural MLA Brahm Mohindra,a Hindu face,was given the post. She was instrumental in getting the Patiala rural ticket for Mohindra,which resulted in Amarinder’s son Raninder being allotted a tougher Samana seat which he eventually lost. However,Bhattal’s close aides see it as a precursor to another major rejig — Amarinder being replaced as the president.

Jakhar who received the good news from Sonia Gandhi,said he will strive to meet the challenges before the party. “We have to put up a strong Opposition and mobilise our cadre for the battle ahead. The poll defeat is yet to sink in among our workers and they are both disillusioned and scared of vendetta of Akalis. I want to thank my party MLAs and hope to perform with cooperation of them all,” he said.