The ruling SAD-BJP alliance in Punjab on Monday got shot in the arm with former Minister Harnek Singh Gharuan joining the Akali Dal, and retired IAS officer RPS Pawar joining the saffron brigade.
A Minister in Harcharan Singh Brar-led Congress Government, Gharuan had first left Congress to join the People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) and now joined the SAD along with his supporters.His induction in the party may prove helpful as Gharuan has a stronghold in Kharar and Mohali areas of Anandpur Sahib parliamentary constituency.
Welcoming Gharuan and his supporters in the party fold, Sukhbir said that people were joining SAD as its leaders were more committed and easily approachable than any other party. He assured Gharuan that party would give him due respect and place in the party.Sukhbir, later interacting with media, said that five-six more sitting MlAs of Congress party were all set to join Akali Dal. “People from Congress are joining SAD as they are fed up of anti-nation and anti-people policies of their party leaders. Congress party is on the verge of extinction and this budget would be their farewell budget,” he added.
Announcing his decision to join SAD, Gharuan said that he was deeply impressed by the initiatives like progressive Punjab industrial and agricultural summits taken by the SAD-BJP Government to ensure the overall development of the State.
“Areas of Mohali and Kharar have started witnessing impact of industrial summit and I am confident that Sukhbir’s initiative would bring this area on the world map. I take lot of time to take feedback from my supporters before joining and now they are all set to ensure record victory of party candidate from Anandpur Sahib in ensuing lok Sabha election,” he added.
In the BJP, Punjab’s former Principal Secretary and Financial Commissioner RPS Pawar joined the party in the presence of senior leaders Shanta Kumar and State BJP president Kamal Sharma, amidst huge number of supporters.
“People from all sections of society are joining the party which clearly indicates that there is a strong wave in favour of Narendra Modi all over the country,” said the in-charge of Punjab BJP and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shanta Kumar.
Kamal Sharma, while welcoming Pawar into the party fold, said that only BJP can give a strong Government at the Centre under the dynamic leadership of Narendra Modi.Thanking the leaders on his joining, Pawar assured them that he will work very hard for the party to take it to new heights in the State.