CHANDIGARH, Punjab—The Punjab BJP seems to hijack the traditional agenda of The Shiromani Akali Dal in order to pave the way for capturing power in the state. Leaving everybody astonished, its leaders led by state president Kamal Sharma on Tuesday stated that the party wanted Chandigarh to be transferred to Punjab. He said it also wanted an amicable solution to the river waters dispute with the neighbouring state.
The BJP is seemigly enthused by its electoral victories in Haryana and Maharashtra.
Talking to media persons, Sharma said, “We are for transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab. But we want an amicable solution to the river waters dispute. There is no issue that can’t be resolved through talks.”
Clearly indicating that the party will not play second fiddle to the Akalis ahead of the municipal elections, he said the BJP wielded greater influence than the SAD in category A and B cities while the Akalis had their vote bank in small towns. Sharma said the BJP supported the Rajiv-Longowal accord signed in 1985.
It is for the first time that the BJP is in power in Punjab, Haryana and the Centre. Hence, the party’s stance on contentious issues is significant.
Sharma was accompanied by Industries Minister Madan Mohan Mittal, Local Bodies Minister Anil Joshi and adviser to the CM Tikshan Sud.
On being questioned on seat-sharing for the municipal elections, he said, “District-level leaders of the two parties are already discussing the issue. The party heads will meet later and take the final decision. Post-delimitation, the number of wards in each municipal body has increased. We have a greater presence in category A and B cities like Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Abohar and Fazilka. The Akalis have a presence in Bathinda and small towns.”
Opining about former MP Navjot Sidhu’s outburst, he said it was Sidhu’s personal opinion. Sidhu had accused the SAD-led state government of looting the people of the state.
