Sukhbir fails to turn up for Khaira’s debate

Khaira,who had challenged Sukhbir’s claims on Punjab’s development — to which the latter had reacted with “just a sarpanch from Lambi (his father and CM Parkash Singh Badal’s constituency) is enough to take on the MLA” — reached the venue decided by him for the debate,the Chandigarh Press Club,by 11.30 am. Though the Press Club was full of security men in anticipation of the Deputy CM’s arrival,he did not turn up.

Khaira was quick to announce to the assembled reporters that Sukhbir feared losing the debate and had given an example of his cowardice.

“He has a five-star agenda of development— expressways,metros and airports. What about basic facilities for the common man — there is no infrastructure at government schools,no facilities at district hospitals and no clean drinking water for 40 per cent of Punjab. And Sukhbir is talking about making Punjab the California of India. He knows his development model cannot win him a debate,” joked Khaira. Khaira did not miss the opportunity to refer to the rebel from the Badal family — Manpreet. “Now Manpreet Badal is going from village to village to reveal the failings of the Badals and has vindicated the stand of the Congress against the Akalis,” he added.