Banners bid to defame farmers' stir: Balbir Singh Rajewal

Ludhiana, August 4

After banners asking “Do you want Balbir Singh Rajewal (BKU Rajewal chief) as the next CM” came up in Khanna, Samyukt Kisan Morcha leader Balbir Singh Rajewal today dissociated himself from having any link with these and called it an act of “mischief” to defame the leadership.

Rajewal claimed pro-Khalistan slogans had earlier been found written outside his place of stay. He said government agencies were hatching the conspiracy to defame the leadership. “I have no role in the banners that were displayed in Khanna,” he added.

Terming the banners fake, union members shared messages on the social media asking people to be wary of rumours “being spread by Centre’s IT cell”.

Niranjan Singh of the BKU (Rajewal) said those who had put up the banners never sought their permission. “The union has no role. Our attention is only on the ongoing kisan andolan,” he added. Interestingly, information about the sponsor or publisher was missing on the banners.

Meanwhile, some shopkeepers in Khanna have claimed that they had put up the banners. “We have seen leaders of various parties. Now, it is our own wish to see Rajewal as the CM. He is an honest leader, that’s why banners were displayed,” said a shopkeeper. — TNS

SKM flays Chd Police’s notice to farmers

Chandigarh: The SKM’s legal panel has condemned the Chandigarh Police for issuing notices for appearance before investigating officer in the cases registered against farmers on June 26, when they marched to hold a dharna at the Raj Bhawan. Three FIRs have been registered against 13 farmer leaders. SKM has said no farmer will appear for investigation.