Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 4

Almost a week after facing allegations of illegal mining and patronage given to liquor mafia from over a dozen Congress leaders from his constituency, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Navjot Singh Sidhu along with two Cabinet Ministers today threw his weight behind Ghanaur MLA Madan Lal Jalalpur. The Ghanaur MLA had been facing rebellion from within the Congress ever since he had openly sided with Sidhu.

Sidhu, who visited Jalalpur’s residence along with Cabinet Ministers Sukhjinder Randhawa and Charanjit Singh Channi, said Jalalpur’s election was his own election and he would ensure his win.

Jalalpur was one of the first MLAs from the Chief Minister’s home town of Patiala to openly welcome Navjot Singh Sidhu following his elevation as PPCC Chief, following which he had to face a revolt by Congressmen in his own constituency. Sources within the Congress said following Jalalpur’s open outburst against his own government, he was facing mutiny from within the party in Ghanaur and today’s show of strength was a clear signal to the state government.

Talking to mediapersons, Sidhu said he had already given the pending issues that need immediate implementation to the Punjab Chief Minister. “I assure you that they will be dealt with soon”, he said. “The Congress is committed to the cause of farmers …will not let the three farm laws to be implemented in Punjab”, he said.

On the issue of a possible Cabinet reshuffle, Cabinet Minister Sukhjinder Randhawa replied: “We would not let anyone backstab the party. Not only this, we will press for strict action against officers who signed wrong power purchase agreements (PPAs) with private power companies”.

Last week senior leaders, including former and incumbent sarpanches, and zila parishad and block samiti members, of over 100 villages at a meeting in Ghanaur had announced to oppose Jalalpur. They had demanded an independent probe into illegal liquor and mining cases in Ghanaur.

“The sole purpose to elect him as an MLA was to ensure development of the constituency, which has been completely lost,” they claimed. Jalalpur said he has been working hard for the party and which is why Ghanaur remains free of illegal mining and liquor trade.

“I have always stood for honesty and transparency and will continue to do so. I fully back Navjot Singh Sidhu who is the future of the party in Punjab”, the Ghanaur MLA said. 

Honest leader, will ensure his victory

Jalalpur’s election from the Ghanaur constituency is now my election. He is an honest leader and I will ensure his win. Navjot Singh Sidhu, PCC chief

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