Senior advocate HS Phoolka’s “Aam Aadmi” entry in the electoral battlefield seems to have upset the political applecart of both the Congress and the Akalis in ludhiana.
Soon after the announcement of his candidature from ludhiana parliamentary constituency by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), both the main political parties in the State appear to be sharing a common platform to deal with a mutual enemy. The development is significant as Phoolka’s name was announced at a time when the Akali Dal is finding it tough to find a suitable candidate for ludhiana against Congress’ sitting MP and Union Minister Manish Tewari.
Political observers are appreciating AAP’s decision to field Phoolka from ludhiana against formidable Tewari who is known for his legal work for the victims of 1984 anti-Sikh riots — something that may give jitters not only to the Akali Dal, but the Congress too. Justice for the families of 1984 victims is a sensitive issue in Punjab, and the ruling Akali Dal-BJP has been using this in its political battles against the Congress. And with Phoolka’s selection, it is believed that he may take away panthic agenda away from the Akali Dal, which projects itself as the party for the Sikh cause.
Coming with the reputation of one who has vigorously fought for the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims in various courts for over two decades, Phoolka’s candidature has spoiled SAD’s chances to project itself as the custodian of the panthic agenda. It has been learnt that in order to polarise Sikh and Hindu votes, SAD may go with a Hindu face from ludhiana parliamentary seat.
Even as the sources in the Congress party maintained that the party would once again enter the electoral arena from ludhiana with young Tewari as their candidate, Akali Dal is juggling between the names of its Cabinet Minister and former MP Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, and Dakha MlA Manpreet Singh Ayali. SAD, a day before, had announced the names of six of its candidates for Bathinda, Khadoor Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jalandhar, Anandpur Sahib, and Sangrur.
“No name has yet been finalised by the party…Announcement of Phoolka’s candidature has indeed changed the equations, and party is taking its own time to decide on the candidate,” a senior Akali leader told The Pioneer, requesting anonymity. With AAP gaining ground in State, both the ruling SAD-BJP combine and the Congress are keeping a close tab on its each and every move. AAP, presently, is building its organisational structure at all levels, right from villages to cities and towns, organising various programmes to induct volunteers in the party, and accepting applications for seeking lok Sabha tickets.
In less than a week of announcement of his candidature, Phoolka has caused a stir in the State, so much so that he has entered into a slinging match with SAD president and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal. Backed by Akalis till a few months ago for fighting legal battle for the 1984 riot victims, Phoolka was accused by party chief Sukhbir for “charging money” for the fight victims' cases.
The junior Badal, at a function, reportedly said that Phoolka “charged heavy fee for fighting these cases. SAD, the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee and the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee have all paid him. Earlier he represented us, today he represents the AAP and in future he can represent the Congress”. Retorting, Phoolka slammed a defamation notice to Sukhbir, a day before, for “levelling false allegations” — giving enough indications the ensuing electoral battle in not going to be easy.
He also challenged the SAD chief to “prove these allegations”, “If proved, I will quit politics and also the legal profession. And if he fails to prove it, he should quit the Akali Dal and the post of Deputy Chief Minister,” he had added. Responding to Phoolka's remarks, Sukhbir on Wednesday stated that he was “not answerable to his assertions…Phoolka is no match for me in politics”. “Phoolka is no match for me in politics and to his stature to comment on his announcements…He is indulging in to gain publicity by resorting to such statements,” he added.