politics states
Arvind Kejriwal
HS Phoolka
Senior advocate H S Phoolka, who had unsuccessfully
contested last Lok Sabha elections from Ludhiana and is known
for his persistent legal battle to seek justice in 1984 anti-Sikh
riot cases, is emerging as the likely choice with Sidhu’s consent.
In such an event it is likely that his wife would be projected as
the prospective deputy chief minister.
It seems an alliance between Sidhu’s fledgling outfit Awaz-ePunjab and AAP is becoming a compulsion as both are caught in
a similar bind emanating from indecisiveness and dissensions.
AAP’s graph has certainly come down due to internal squabbling
that led to splits, and total confusion about its chief ministerial
candidate.
Under the given conditions AAP and Sidhu need each other
more than anyone else. There is a strong feeling in the party that
a popular local face such as Sidhu would be a good counter to
offset the losses caused by the exit of its earlier state convenor
Sucha Singh Chottepur and many other popular leaders.
Sucha Singh Chotepur
On Sidhu’s part his newly found Awaz-e-Punjab has proved
to be akin to a still-born child. It is still not clear whether AeP
is a political or a non-political entity as the former BJP MP has
repeatedly dithered on the issue of identity of his party. His
initial argument of projecting it as a forum for disgruntled and
like-minded persons from other political parties to beeline
under his leadership to ultimately pave way for another front
has since evaporated in the air.
The AAP smarting under its own internal problems and Sidhu’s
falling image due to indecisiveness has infused life and energy
into Congress under former Chief Minister Capt Amrinder
Singh. Under the circumstances it would be now very difficult
for Sidhu to strike a desirable deal with Congress unless he
scales down and either enters into a deal or joins the Congress
unconditionally.
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November 16-30, 2016 The Dayafter
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