Pathak Alleges Fabricated Cases, Pressure Tactics ahead of polls

Jalandhar: Political dynamics in Jalandhar have intensified ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Dozens of AAP leaders have switched allegiance to the BJP, led by Jalandhar MP Sushil Kumar Rinku and MLA Sheetal Angural, causing a stir within the state’s ruling party. In the wake of the same, AAP’s poll strategist and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Sandeep Pathak on Wednesday held a crucial meeting at Jalandhar’s Jamsher Khas on Wednesday with the party workers regarding Jalandhar Lok Sabha constituency. Claiming that BJP was afraid of AAP and its leadership, Pathak alleged: “Arvind Kejriwal has been trapped by the BJP through fabricated cases. Initially, there was extensive lobbying for the case, following which a false liquor scam case was framed against Kejriwal. Due to this fabricated case, all senior leaders of AAP have suffered losses.” He claimed that Satendra Jain and Manish Sisodia were also arrested because of the same reason. Declaring that AAP leaders were not afraid even from jail, Pathak said: “The people of the country love Kejriwal. We will win all 13 seats in Punjab and place them in Kejriwal’s lap. Today, Punjab’s MLAs are being pressured to join BJP with offers of Rs 50-50 crores.”

Sukhbir Appeals to Strengthen Regional Party to Save Punjab

Patiala: SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday made a fervent appeal to the people of Punjab to stand by Shiromani Akali Dal to safeguard the state from external influences. Sukhbir, addressing gatherings in Sanaur and Ghanur constituencies during the last leg of his ongoing Punjab Bachao Yatra, emphasized that Delhi-based parties were not focused on winning hearts but rather on subjugating Punjab. Underscoring SAD’s commitment to the principles of the Guru Sahiban and the ethos of 'sarbat da bhala' (welfare of all), he urged the Punjabis to strengthen the regional party to protect the state’s interests. At the same time, he criticized the alliance between Congress and AAP at the national level, while they maintained a facade of opposition in Punjab. “I am sure that the Punjabis would see through this alliance and deliver a strong message to both parties,” he said.