Cong suspends Zira MLA

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 16

The state Congress on Wednesday suspended Zira MLA Kulbir Singh Zira from the primary membership of the party for indiscipline. The MLA had reportedly taken on the Congress government over the alleged connivance of cops with the drug mafia at a public function in Ferozepur on January 12.

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar said the decision to suspend the MLA had been taken after his unsatisfactory reply to the show-cause notice. “His conduct has embarrassed the party and the government. He should have raised the issue at the party level,” said Jakhar.

A senior party leader said ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh had sent across the message to the troublemakers to fall in line or face the music. Zira could face a stricter action, said the leader.

Some leaders are, meanwhile, alleging double standards of the party, as similar utterances by MLA Surjit Dhiman and a Cabinet Minister had not invited any such action.

Jakhar said complaints were made by Zira against the Ferozpore range IG, Mukhwinder Singh Chhina, for allegedly protecting liquor contractors and drug peddlers. “The complaint is being probed by the DGP,” he said. The IG is learnt to have met the Chief Minister to explain his position on the issue.

Zira said he would always remain loyal worker of the party and would abide its decision. “I have spoken the truth. Some police officers are protecting drug peddlers and liquor smugglers. Their act is bringing a bad name to the government. The action against me has been taken under pressure from such police officers,” Zira alleged.

On January 12, the Zira MLAhad walked out of the function after alleging from the stage that the police were protecting liquor contractors and drug peddlers. This annoyed the party leadership that was administering oath to panches and sapranches for fighting the drug menace.

More trouble for his confidant

Moga: The police on Wednesday registered another criminal case under Section 174-A of the IPC against Neeraj Kumar Ginny, an aide of Congress MLA Kulbir Singh Zira. Ginny, a resident of Zira (Ferozepur), was arrested on Tuesday on the charges of murdering a photographer. A senior police official said another FIR had been registered against Ginny for non-appearance in response to a proclamation issued by the Sessions’ Court under Section 82 of Act 2 of 1974, which was a punishable offence. The registration of another criminal case against Ginny is seen in the political circles as a move of the Congress party to tighten noose around its MLA. TNS