Kejriwal pits Patiala eye surgeon against Amarinder

Gagan K. Teja

Tribune News Service

Samana, November 24

Aam Aadmi Party's national convener and Arvind Kejriwal today announced that Dr Balbir Singh, a Patiala-based eye surgeon, will contest against Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh from the latter's Patiala Urban seat.

Addressing a rally in Samana, Kejriwal said Dr Balbir Singh was a dedicated party soldier and was competent to take on the "Maharaja" that had made fortunes by looting the state during his tenure.

He alleged that the Akali Dal would use money and power to ensure Amarinder's victory because he was their only hope of survival in near future.

"Akalis know that Punjabis will never vote for them and if AAP comes to power, all their senior leaders will land in jails for their corrupt activities. Therefore, Congress' victory is their only chance to keep us away from Punjab," he alleged. Dr Balbir Singh said: "AAP is not a one-man party. It is team effort and Patiala team has already proved its mettle by defeating Preneet Kaur in the past."

Cong, Shiv Sena protest

Members of the Youth Congress gheraoed the circuit house where Kejriwal was staying. The police intervened and made way for Kejriwal's vehicles, who left for Samana. Activists of the mahila wing of the Congress and the Shiv Sena showed black flags to the Delhi CM in Samana.