He denied CM siropa, now backs Jarnail

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 12

Former Golden Temple ‘ardasia’ Balbir Singh has given up the idea of challenging Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal from Lambi and would instead support AAP nominee Jarnail Singh.

Balbir, who shot to limelight after denying ‘siropa’ to CM Badal and his deputy Sukhbir Badal at the Golden Temple, said his decision was based on the feedback he received from ‘Sikh Sangat’. He had announced to take on CM Badal, alleging that the state government did little to check sacrilege incidents.

He subsequently uploaded a video on the social media seeking advice from the Sikh community on whether or not to enter the poll arena. “My sole aim was never to see Badal in power again. The Sikh population from across the world supported my cause overwhelmingly. But a majority of them calculated that my candidature could divide anti-Badal votes and defeat the purpose,” he said.

Balbir said he would support Jarnail and even campaign for him. “He is fighting for the cause of Sikh panth and anti-Badal policies,” he said.