Capt begins drive today, set to take on Bajwa

Varinder Singh and Deepkamal Kaur

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, June 30

Congress leader Capt Amarinder Singh, who will begin his mass contact programme from Jalandhar cantonment tomorrow, has got the support of almost all MLAs, former MLAs and other leaders of the region.

The PCC chief Partap Bajwa’s camp is taking a keen interest in Captain’s programme. They are leaving no stone unturned to dub the event as parallel to that of Bajwa’s Dalit-centric mass contract programme.

The Bajwa camp has been trying all means to dissuade the leaders from joining the rally in Jalandhar Cantonment Assembly segment of former MLA and DCC rural president Jagbir Brar at Dhina village tomorrow.

Most leaders today seemed upfront and said they would attend the event. Bajwa’s supporters are said they would get the entire rally videographed and send the recording to the party leadership, including AICC general secretary Shakeel Ahmad, terming it as an act of indiscipline.

However, Captain’s supporters said since nothing would be quoted against the PPCC chief and that the former had every right to mobilise masses, there was no issue of any defiance.

Jalandhar MP Chaudhary Santokh Singh had earlier expressed his reservation over attending the rally as he felt that Brar had hosted it without taking him into confidence. But he has now confirmed his participation after he got a call from Amarinder.

“I had a meeting with Union Minister for Civil Aviation tomorrow, but I have cancelled it after Captain’s call. I will attend the programme,” he said. His son and PYC president Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary too confirmed his participation. Avtar Henry, Chaudhary Jagjit Singh and Amarjit Singh Samra yesterday held a meeting here in support of Amarinder.

Captain’s loyalists have worked overtime to ensure that the first programme in the series is a success.

Show-cause notices to loyalists

Chandigarh: The ongoing tussle between Bajwa and Amarinder intensified with the state unit issuing show-cause notices to three Amarinder loyalists for their alleged anti-party activities on Tuesday. Those issued notices are Muktsar MLA Karan Kaur Brar, Jalandhar (Rural) district president Jagbir Singh Brar and party general secretary Satnam Singh Kainth. They have been asked to explain their conduct within 15 days

12 events in 18 days

Patiala: Veteran Congress leader Capt Amarinder is flooded with requests from present and former party MLAs to visit their constituencies. Of 24 requests, only 12 programmes are planned in 18 days in the first phase. An aide of Amarinder said with the monsoon session of Parliament to start later this month, there was limited time of less than three weeks available in the first phase.         — Aman Sood 

Malwa leaders turn proactive

Bathinda: Captain’s supporters are geared up to strengthen their base in the Malwa region. A large number of party workers on Tuesday gathered under the banner of Jat Mahasabha. Congress president of Malwa zone Gurpreet Kangar, Congress Bhucho MLA Ajaib Singh Bhatti, former MLA Makhan Singh and president, Jat Mahasabha, Faridkot, Avtar Singh Goniana put up a united show in Bathinda. They announced to adopt an aggressive drive against the ruling alliance.     — Gurdeep Mann