CONGRESS SWEPT AWAY FROM TALWANDI SABO AS BALVIR SINGH SIDHU ALONG WITH HIS THOUSANDS OF SUPPORTERS JOINS SAD

Chandigarh, October 2

Shiromani Akali Dal today got major shot in its arm as prominent congress face of Talwandi Sabo Mr. Balvir Singh Sidhu along with his thousands of his supporters today joined Shiromani Akali Dal in the presence of party president Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal. The desertion of Balvir Singh Sidhu, the right hand man of Congress president Capt Amrinder Singh was significant from the fact that his abandoning the Congress party on the eve of crucial lok Sabha elections gives an indication that now Shiromani Akali Dal would have free run in Malwa belt.

          Addressing them on this occasion the party President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that he was happy that Mr. Balvir Singh Sidhu along with his dedicated band of supporters has expressed their full faith in the policies and programs of the Shiromani Akali Dal. He said that he was moving with the focused approach to take Punjab on the pinnacle of glory with accelerated devolvement in all areas. He said that S. Parkash Singh Badal, the man of masses loves to be amongst people especially in rural areas to understand their problems, whereas, migratory leaders like Maharaja only pay flying visits to Punjab as if they want to keep their ‘Visa’ to Punjab alive. He said that mass desertion of Congress party and its ally PPP signifies the fact that people especially their grassroots leaders have understood that they can not return to power in Punjab for their life time as both opposition parties have lost direction.

          Speaking on the occasion Mr. Balvir Singh Sidhu said that he was pained to face total neglect from Capt Amrinder Singh for whom he worked day and night when Capt fought election from Talwandi Sabo. He said that what to call of acknowledging their contribution, they were humiliated by the security guards and members of his kitchen team whenever he try to meet him. He said that Capt has forgotten the fact that the writer who writes the first chapter of his book also has courage to write his obituary from politics. He said that he has joined Shiromani Akali Dal unconditionally having full faith in the progressive, pro-people, pro-poor policies of SAD-BJP government whch has vision and capability to script the bright future of Punjab with golden letters.

          Welcoming Mr. Balvir Singh Sidhu and his thousands of supporters education minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that with the joining of Balvir Singh Sidhu the Shiromani Akali Dal would now defeat Congress candidate by more than 50, 000 votes in Tawandi Sabo area. He said that the party would give full recognition to Mr. Balvir Singh Sidhu and his supporters.

          As Mr. Balvir Singh Sidhu along with thousands of supporters trooped to the residence of Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal raising the slogans Shiromani Akali Dal Jindabad and Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal Jindabad, an air of excitement and anticipation was visble everywhere. As Mr. Badal arrived on the scene Mr. Balvir Singh Sidhu and his supporters showered him with flower petals. Mr. Badal formally inducted them in the party by offering them robe of honor. Mr. Hardeep Singh Dimpi, Advisor Youth Akali Dal also addressed on the occasion.

          Prominent among those who joined the Shiromani Akali Dal along with Mr. Sidhu were Mr. Reetinder Singh (Nippi), Paramjit Singh Manshahia, Manjot Singh Mannu, Surinderpal Sharma, Vainderpal Maheshwari and Gurpreet Singh Manshahia.