Winds of uncertainty, blowing over Dhuri, are fast turning into a political tempest, with just a few hours to go before the polling process begins in 166 booths across the constituency. But, the candidates of the two major political parties — the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janta Party alliance, and the Congress — in fray appear too far from swayed by the gust that may bring about a change.
Both — SAD-BJP’s Gobind Singh longowal and Congress’ Simar Partap Singh Barnala — are claiming that they will emerge strong and victorious from the political upheaval that shook the district with Congress’ former MlA Arvind Khanna’s resignation. A day before the D-day, The Pioneer talked to them to have their “last word” before people push the EVM buttons to seal their fate.
SIMAR PARTAP SINGH BARNAlA
An advocate by profession and young Barnala scion, Simar is banking on the youth power.
You are in the field with what agendaIJ
The youngsters are the generation next and my main agenda for the polls was surrounded around this. As a youngster, what I want is transparent governance, no red-tapism, a corruption-free place, and much more. I had mainly focused on this.
You have entered the Dhuri battlefield with an extra burden of your family’s political legacy. What you have to sayIJ
I would not take it as a burden…no it is not. In fact, it is an added advantage for me. Our family has served this region since past five decades, and that would be an advantage for me.
With Congress’ infighting on its height, its past record of series of defeats, do you now feel it was a mistake to contest as Congress candidateIJ
All senior leaders, including Capt sahib, Bajwa ji, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Preneet Kaur, and others campaigned for me. They were their together on stage on the day of my nominations. They had assured me full support and they have backed me through. I think it’s not the Congress but the Akali Dal which is losing its face in Punjab. People are fed up of the present Government. They want to get rid of it and teach them a good lesson for anti-people decisions. I think that people have faith in Capt Amarinder Singh.
You are facing a seasoned politician, a three-time MlA
Yes, he is way senior to me. I wish him luck.
AAP is not in the field. Whom would its supporters supportIJ
Our issues are similar to that of AAP. They would support us as wave is against Akali Dal.
Your last words before polls
I just want to ask people to choose the right candidate for them. If they think I have the capability vote for me, and if they feel that it should be someone else, it’s their choice. But, I assure them that if elected, I will work with full honesty.