Ahead of Punjab polls,Amarinder’s brother joins Akali Dal

Malwinder told a press conference here,”(It is an) unconditional (support). I have not joined with any precondition. I am joining because the value system of Congress has changed. Congress party now is not which it used to be earlier”,Malwinder said.

Accusing Congress of neglecting old party workers,the former army captain said,”I am not here (in SAD) to contest. I am here (SAD) on principle”,he said

Asked if SAD wanted him to contest elections,Malwinder put the onus on SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal.

“I am not contesting (election). I am supporting Akali Dal. It is up to him (Sukhbir) to decide,” he said.

Malwinder expressed his unhappiness over not being given ticket from Samana Assembly which he claimed to have nurtured for the last 35 years. “If this is the selection process,then what is the justification (in devoting time for the party)”? he said.

Asked whether Union Minister Perneet Kaur,wife of Amarinder,spoilt his chances in securing a ticket from Congress,Malwinder said,”I cannot say about Perneet. There is some maryada (custom) in India. If my nephew (Raninder Singh who is the son of Amarinder Singh) had shown any inclination (towards ticket),had he asked me I would gave given away (ticket)”,he said.

Asked whether he would campaign against his brother Amarinder Singh from Patiala Urban constituency,Malwinder said he would never speak against his brother and sister-in-law Karan Brar.

“I will never speak against my brother and I will not speak against my sister-in-law Karan Brar”,he said.