Stung by rebellion in 2012 Punjab Assembly polls that cost Congress a defeat, the party on Tuesday made it clear that those who turn rebellious would be expelled for the next five years.
The word of caution was given by Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh while reiterating that the party leaders would not turn “rebels” if denied the party ticket to contest 2017 polls.
He said that he was in tune with the Congress high command’s decision to ask all the leaders to sign “loyalty affidavits”.
“If anybody tries to revolt, then we will initiate strong action. Ticket will be provided to one person while the others will have to wait for their turn. We have around 150 memberships in Punjab and those who assist our candidates will be given the opportunity to become a member,” said Captain, while interacting with the media in Sangrur.
“There were around 20 independent candidates last time and we don’t want any independent (candidate) this time. I was in Balachaur yesterday. There are nine candidates for that particular seat and if we give ticket to one, then eight others might revolt. If such a situation arises, we will expel from the party for the next five years,” he added.
It has been learnt that the Congress, this time, want its winning MlAs to abide by its whips in the assembly as in the 2012 polls, many hopefuls had contested against its official candidates after being denied tickets.
The “loyalty affidavits” is said to be an application devised with help from poll strategist Prashant Kishor.
Meanwhile, the former Chief Minister also used the occasion to target the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is gradually expanding its base in the State.
Responding to a poser about Kejriwal’s upcoming visit to Amritsar’s Golden Temple, Capt Amarinder said that it was just an attempt on the part of Delhi Chief Minister to show his face to the people prior to the polls.
“Neither Kejriwal nor Phoolka, but some other person who committed this blunder needs to apologise. Journalist and in-charge of AAP’s manifesto committee Kanwar Sandhu is responsible for the poster that had party’s symbol ‘broom’ superimposed on the photograph of Golden Temple. They are trying to play with religious sentiments and this is wrong,” he added.
The State Congress chief also expressed his disappointment over reports that around two lakh students have passed their board examinations this year courtesy grace marks.
lashing out at the SAD-BJP alliance Government, Capt Amarinder said that the incumbent Punjab Government has brought down the standard of education.
“They might pass here, but how will they enter into higher educational institutionsIJ The Badal Government is trying to make their own scores with assertions that Punjab has risen to the fourth place in education while the truth is that even Himachal Pradesh is ahead of us. The future of education in Punjab is dark in the hands of this Government,” he added.
Advocating the schemes implemented in the past, the Congress chief said that they waived off all cooperative loans during their tenure in power in the State, adding that they would take this initiative further if the people vote them to power in 2017.
“The heavy interests levied by lending institutions must be cancelled as this is unfair...We will also implement additional schemes as inflation is high and the income of the poor section is decreasing day-by-day,” said Capt Amarinder adding that it’s the Government’s responsibility to help the poor.