Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Monday said that Punjab would not allow a single drop of water to flow out of the State and “any sacrifice is too small to keep this commitment”. Addressing a series of public meetings at various villages in favour of SAD candidate Gobind Singh longowal, said: “Sar vadya ja sakda hai par paani di ik vi boond nahi ditti ja sakdi (we can sacrifice ourselves but will not part with a single drop of water).”
Reminding the people of SAD’s “glorious” history, Sukhbir said that it was Akali Dal which had led agitations to safeguard waters of Punjab. “We will continue to safeguard these interests come what may,” he added. SAD chief, lashing out at Punjab Congress, said that Dhuri by-poll was witnessing a game of “one-upmanship” in the Congress party. “leaders are not coming here to campaign for the party candidate but to showcase their support in the rank and file,” he said.
He said that due to this leadership fight, “non-issues and petty squabbles are coming to fore and issues concerning people of constituency has taken a back seat in the Congress campaign”. “The selection of party candidate also spoke volumes about the say of local leadership in decision making. Candidature of Simar Partap Singh Barnala is decided by the party high command which has always maintained a close relationship with Surjit Singh Barnala…What can you expect from a party which works on remote control and a candidate who himself does not know which party he will represent next time,” he added. In direct contrast, he said, “we have given ticket to a leader who has always been amongst you. Someone who understands your problems, and is most qualified to address them”.