Capt. Amarinder Singh Nudges Sukhbir Singh Badal to Contest a Snap Poll

In a strong reaction to Punjab’s Deputy CM, Sukhbir Singh Badal’s allegations that the Congress party “has fled the Khadoor Sahib field out of fear of certain and humiliating defeat”, Punjab Congress Chief, Captain Amarinder Singh has challenged the Akalis to a snap poll.

“I’d be glad if Sukhbir, who is claiming so much popularity, announces a snap poll. I assure him, we’ll not disappoint him. We’ll contest and defeat him,” said Captain Singh.

The development follows the Congress pulling out of the Khadoor Sahib bypolls. Defending the decision, Captain Singh said that the party supports the Congress MLA Ramanjit Singh Sikki who resigned to protest against the growing sacrilege instances in the area. He declared that the Congress would have won easily since the people of Khadoor Sahib endorse Sikki s decision.

He also said that contesting for one Assembly seat makes no sense with elections due in less than a year. “Our main concern and priority is to get those responsible for desecration and killing of peaceful protesters, punished, which we will certainly do after forming our government in 2017,” he said.

The PCC chief also questioned the Aam Aadmi Party for accusing the Congress on forging links with the Akalis over boycotting the by-election. “I’ve only one question for the AAP. If we’ve an understanding with the Akalis on the matter of principle, why did it (the AAP) not contest itself?” he asked.

AAP has stated it will not field any candidate in the 2017 state Assembly polls. With the last date for filing nominations gone by, it’s only the Shiromani Akali Dal candidate, Ravinder Singh Brahmpura who’s in the fray.

Results for the February 13 bypolls will unfold after counting begins on February 16.