New Delhi: Expressing confidence of emerging victorious from the Amritsar East seat in the upcoming assembly elections, Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu in a witty dig on the opposition on Saturday said he does not want to turn “loktantra” (democracy) into “dandatantra” (force).
“I don’t want to turn “loktantra” (democracy) into “dandatantra” (force)...This city had, have and will continue to have its faith in the Congress,” he said after filing his nomination from Amritsar East, ANI reported.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) fielded senior party leader Bikram Singh Majithia against Sidhu from Amritsar East.
SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, who declared Majithia’s candidature, took a dig at Sidhu stating his political life is “coming to an end”.
“Navjot Sidhu, be ready,” he told the Punjab Congress chief stating that his party’s Amritsar leadership and workers told him that Sidhu’s “arrogance” has to be shattered.
“Our warrior will fight from the Amritsar East seat,” he added, PTI reported.
Badal accused Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi-led government, especially Sidhu, of getting a false drug case registered against Majithia.
Continuing his outburst, the SAD president said the rival political parties are targeting Majithia as he raises the voice of people.
Majithia on his part expressed his gratitude to the SAD president for fielding him from Amritsar East.
“I express my gratitude to Akali Dal chief S.Sukhbir S.Badal Ji for giving me the opportunity to contest from Amritsar East constituency. Akalis have a brave history of fighting to safeguard the rights of Punjabis & protecting them from the anti-Punjab elements like @sherryontopp,” he tweeted.
The SAD has joined hands with former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) for the upcoming polls.
Voting for the Punjab Assembly will be held in a single phase on February 14. The results will be declared on March 10.