Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal could be the new convenor of the National Democratic Alliance after Sharad Yadav quit the post following the exit of JDU from NDA.
Shiromani Akali Dal on Thursday, however, maintained that the party has not yet received any formal offer from NDA to nominate Badal as its convener. Senior Akali stalwart and MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa said that he would convince the Akali veteran to accept the position. Dhindsa, talking to reporters at his residence, stated that once the party receives any formal invitation from the NDA, the party would discuss the issue and definitely persuade Badal to assume charge as convener.
Praising Badal as a seasoned-politician, the Akali MP said the NDA would gain a lot under Badal's charge as he has cordial ties with many parties. "Even though Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has left the alliance, we will emerge stronger in the upcoming lok Sabha polls," he claimed.
Being a matured and seasoned politician, the senior Badal can be a binding factor in case he assumes charge as NDA convener. The five-time Chief Minister had earlier refused to accept such a responsibility after the resignation of George Fernandes.
Another question is whether the senior Badal would like to move to national politics, handing over the reins of the State leadership to his son Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, who is also heading the SAD. Presently, the father-son duo is abroad to take part in private events. While senior Badal is expected to return on June 22, Sukhbir is expected to return sometime around July 3. Only after the the picture would become clear.
aIJ* aIJ'IJIJIJg with vice president Harishankar Mishra and councillors also met KK Sharma, Advisor to Administrator and UT Finance Secretary VK Singh on Thursday to submit a memorandum and signatures demanding withdrawal of the proposal of supply of electricity through private contractor in colony no. 4 in Industrial Area, Phase-I here.
After submitting the memorandum, Sanjay Tandon said, “Electricity Department has initiated the process of supplying the electricity to the slum dwellers through a private contractor. The private contractor has started demanding huge amount in the name of security of electricity meters and installation charges whereas the electricity meters are already installed in most of the houses in the slum area.”
Apparently, from seeking basic amenities for the city residents to organizing various campaigns, the leaders of Chandigarh BJP have become pro-active keeping in view the lok Sabha elections scheduled next year. The party leaders are meeting officials of UT Administration and Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh every other day putting forth demands of city residents and submitting memorandums. And, the signature campaign seems to have become a favorite and effective campaigning tool for the BJP.
Earlier during the signature campaign against local MP Pawan Kumar Bansal, who is under fire for his alleged involvement in Railway Board Bribery Scam, the BJP collected over 3000 signatures from various parts of the city.