RANJIT SINGH BRAHMPURA, the SAD (Taksali) president, and Khadoor Sahib MP, was once a friend of the Akalis, but now has turned into a bitter foe. After fighting and winning battles for them, Brahmpura is attacking his comrades for whom he once trained his guns. Leading the Badals-led Akali Dal’s breakaway faction — Shiromani Akali Dal (Taksali), Brahmpura has decided against contesting 2019 LS elections and working for the party, while making it clear that he would again enter the electoral ring if needed be. A veteran, sitting Khadoor Sahib MP, believed that the people of the state would not forgive the Badals and the SAD for their paap (sins) and they would face sharamnaak haar (shameful defeat) in May 19 elections in Punjab. Excerpts from the interview:
What, according to you, would be the main issues during this election?
Unemployment is a major issue across the nation. India’s farmers are also suffering due to Government’s apathetic attitude. Then drugs menace is a major issue in Punjab. Employees are holding protests, there are no jobs.
What about panthic issues as other political parties are seeking votes on Kartarpur Sahib corridor, and other such issues?
Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib is a religious place...leaders and political parties should not use it for political gains. Opening of Kartarpur Sahib corridor was a long pending demand of the Sikhs, not only in Punjab but all over the world. The corridor should open, and all should have open access to the Gurudwara sahib. But politics on this should be avoided. Everyone knows that no political party did it. It is a decision taken by the Governments of two countries. No doubt, (Navjot Singh) Sidhu and other leaders made efforts but there should be no politics.
You parted ways with the SAD, and blamed the Badals for their failure to act in 2015 sacrilege cases and the related firing incidents wherein two persons died. Is the issue still relevant?
Everybody in Punjab, even kids, know who is responsible for that. They did everything deliberately...They committed sins...and now, they should be punished for this. Even children are against the Badal family, they know that they did a wrong thing...In 2017 Punjab assembly election, SAD faced a sharamnaak haar (shameful defeat)...At that time too, people espressed their anger by not voting for SAD. And this time too, SAD would meet the same fate.
Initially you were part of Punjab Democratic Alliance (PDA), and then started talks with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Now Sukhpal Khaira has urged you to reconsider returning in PDA. What you have to say?
These young politicians, (Sukhpal) Khaira saab, and Bains (Simarjeet Singh Bains)...They don’t have any experience of life. Their way of dealing with others, their way of functioning and working style, I feel they are proudy (read arrogant). They have started considering themselves as the chief minister, and would do this or that...There is still three years to go for the next election. They should go slow and work sincerely.
Your alliance with AAP seems to not working out also because of Sri Anandpur Sahib parliamentary seat even though you have been offered Bathinda constituency by them.
Bir Devinder Singh is the suitable choice for Anandpur Sahib and he would contest from there only. He is well-educated and has a strong position among all in Anandpur Sahib...And in case alliance would not work out, we will work out on which seats we would field our candidates, and contest elections separately as we all are separate parties.
After fielding Bir Devinder Singh from Sri Anandpur Sahib and former Army chief General JJ Singh from Khadoor Sahib, can we expect more big faces as SAD Taksali candidates?
There is still two months for the elections. We are in talks with some parties, other than AAP, for alliance. It may be possible that we would field our candidates on some of the seats. We will see how to go about it. We still have time...will decide in a week or so!
What is your strategy against the Badals?
As per my assessment, Harsimrat (Badal) would not contest from Bathinda. She will contest from Ferozepur. It is because they fear...they have fear because people are against the Badals’ and their Akali Dal. Their position is not good as people are against them. But, they have to contest the elections.
You have decided not to contest elections this time despite being sitting MP?
When we formed the party, I had stated that this is the new party and we need to work for it. Because if we contest the polls, who will work for the party and strengthen it, take the new party forward! We had taken this vow at Sri Darbar Sahib while launching the party that we — that is I, Dr Saab (Dr Rattan Singh Ajnala), and Sewa Singh Sekhwan, and senior leaders — would not contest the polls. In case we would not have avowed that, we would contest the elections. I had contested the previous polls and won from a big margin. It is not as if I have some apprehensions or fear from contesting polls...I will work or the party.