After being inducted as Minister of State in Narendra Modi Government, BJP’s only representative in the Union Cabinet from Punjab, Hoshiarpur MP Vijay Sampla on Wednesday ruled out any possibility of saffron party going solo in Punjab.
Sampla, in his maiden interaction with the mediapersons after assuming the charge of Union Minister, said that as both parties have their own ideology, difference of opinion on some issues should not be construed as factors for breakup.“The two parties had contested Vidhan Sabha elections and lok Sabha elections together, and it will contest the forthcoming corporation elections in the State collectively,” said Sampla.
Sampla made it clear that there was no message, in this regard, by the central high command and the SAD-BJP Government is collectively doing well in Punjab.“There is no doubt regarding breaking of alliance in us at the State level, and also at party’s high command…two brothers might have different view but it does not mean they are no more brothers,” he clarified.
At the same time, Sampla justified his induction in the Modi cabinet which is being seen as BJP’s move towards strengthening and broadening its base in the State by wooing the Scheduled Caste community which forms around 32 per cent of the State population.He contended that BJP has been working for the community since the time of its mother party, Jan Sangh.
Following first-time MP Sampla’s induction in the Union Cabinet, and appointment of a Dalit leader Ram Shankar Katheria as BJP’s Punjab affairs in-charge, its alliance partner, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), felt uncomfortable seeing BJP wooing Dalit vote-bank, especially at the time when the speculations of break-up between two alliance partners are rife.
“Since the times of Jan Sangh and till date, BJP is working for dalits. Dr BR Ambedkar was awarded Bharat Ratna when BJP was in power. Bangaru laxman had been the party chief. Even our legislative party leader is dalit,” he said while throwing light on party’s historical association with Dalit community.He added, “I hail from Dalit community, and elected MP from a reserved constituency. We contest on five out of 34 reserved assembly segments…it is my responsibility to work for them…there’s nothing wrong in it.”
Holding somewhat different view from the BJP’s stand “against” dynastic politics, Sampla maintained that the competent or capable person, despite of his relations with any leader or position holder in the party, should be considered.“Political dynasty should not come in between when a person is capable or competent to hold some position…he deserve to hold position if he has merit,” said Sampla when asked about five members of Badal family holding important positions in the State.
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, along with his son and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, daughter-in-law Harsimrat Badal, son-in-law Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, and Harsimrat’s brother Bikram Majithia, are holding cabinet berths in the State and Centre.
“We are concerned about that such thing don’t happen in BJP…Modi took special care while distributing tickets and inducting cabinet ministers…political alliance between two parties is on ideals, it does not mean they should adopt each other completely,” said Sampla.
Sampla’s comment is contrary to the line BJP leadership, including Modi, had taken while attacking Congress over dynastic politics during run up to the lok Sabha polls and assembly elections in Haryana.He added that Badals continue to enjoy power “since a long time now and it is wrong time to raise this question when the BJP’s senior leadership has approved it”.
Given the charge of Union Social Justice and Empowerment, Sampla said that he, along with SAD’s Cabinet Minister Harsimrat Badal would work for Punjab. “I would take up Punjab’s issue, including special financial package, with the Centre,” he said.
Among other significant issues, Sampla evaded reply when asked about his stand on BJP claiming more seats in its share or seeking the post of deputy Chief Minister in Punjab, besides his party’s demand of resignation by SAD’s chief parliamentary secretary Avinash Chander following his alleged involvement in multi-crore drug case.
Sampla also opted to stay mum on the issue of transferring Chandigarh to Punjab, while maintaining that the controversial issue of SYl canal can be resolved with the two state leaders holding talks.