Termed as a “habitual turncoat” by his rivals, Sucha Singh Chhotepur, who floated his own political outfit “Apna Punjab Party (APP)” is keen on defeating Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in a “Punjabi versus non-Punjabi” contest in ensuing State Assembly polls.
A former AAP leader who was sacked on corruption charges, Chhotepur is banking upon his popularity in the State politics and acknowledges that he faces a tough political battle ahead, due to “limited resources”.
After his proposal of forming a ‘'Punjab Progressive Alliance' fizzled out, Chhotepur, who has been known as a leader of independent views, floated his APP, which he says will contest on all Assembly seats in Punjab.
The APP convenor will face electoral battle against sitting MlA Gurbachan Singh Babbehali (Akali Dal), Amarjeet Singh Chahal (AAP) and Barinderjit Singh Pahra (Congress) from Gurdaspur Assembly seat. Chhotepur had contested the 2014 lok Sabha elections from Gurdaspur on the AAP ticket and finished at third spot.
In the fight of “Punjabi versus non-Punjabi”, Chhotepur while talking to The Pioneer says that he has a sizeable vote bank in the Gurdaspur constituency because of his long-time association with the people there and hopes to win.
“Akalis (SAD) are facing a massive anti-incumbency in the election and now, my target is to defeat national parties like Congress and AAP. It is a fight of Punjabis against non-Punjabis and outsiders, with political party like AAP contesting in the state,” said Chhotepur, who was once associated with major political parties, SAD, Congress and AAP.
In the absence of prominent faces in his political outfit, the APP chief believes that people will still vote for him, considering his 40 years of good work in the state. Excerpts from the interview.
You have been associated with SAD, the Congress and the AAP in your long political career and called as “habitual turncoat” by your rivals. How do you react to thatIJ
I have had difference of opinion with these parties as they ignored the interest of people of Punjab. While Badal’s SAD was busy promoting its family interest, the Congress also did nothing for the people. the AAP, on the other hand, just wants to grab political power in Punjab and has no interest in State’s development.
Why did you choose to float a separate political outfit APP, just few months before electionsIJ Do you think it is a right political move just ahead of elections when Punjab is already witnessing triangular fight in assembly elections between SAD, Congress and AAPIJ
There was a need of regional party which can work for Punjab’s development and take care of people’s interest. Congress and AAP are national parties and more concerned about grabbing power in the state while SAD has always remained busy promoting dynasty politics and Badal’s family interest.
There were talks of setting up a ‘Punjab Progressive Alliance’ but it could not become a reality. Will you go for an alliance with the Congress, SAD-BJP or AAP in the futureIJ
There is no question of alliance with these three parties as I know their reality now. These parties do not want to work for the development of Punjab. APP will fight on all the seats alone but we are looking for alliance with splinter groups and rebels of these parties, who really want to serve the people of Punjab and are not outsiders.
What would be the key agenda for you for assembly pollsIJ
The key agenda is to end corruption, drug menace, dynasty politics, gundagardi and safeguard Punjab’s water.
What would go in your favor in the assembly pollsIJ
I believe that my 40 years experience in the politics will work in my favour. People know me very well as I have always worked for their welfare.
What are the challenges you are facing during election campaigningIJ
The main challenge is “limited resources”. Badals have a lot of wealth after remaining in power for so long, AAP’s chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is already spending lavishly on advertisements and Congress has accumulated massive wealth after scams.
What kind of campaigning are you focusing on and how much time do you spend in the field for campaigning in a dayIJ
As we have limited resources and do not have money like other national parties in the election fray, we are focusing on road shows and public meetings during campaigning. Campaigning is keeping me busy and I keep meeting people, holding road shows during the entire day.