Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, The Shiromani Akali Dal has in principle approved expulsion of all rebel candidates contesting against party nominees in the civic elections. The decision was taken at a meeting of party leaders and its poll observers for various districts.The meeting was chaired by SAD president and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who asked the poll observers to prepare a list of rebel candidates by tomorrow to begin the process of their expulsion from party’s primary membership.
The civic polls are being seen as a run-up to the Assembly elections in 2017 for the Badals. Party sources said the meeting was convened to discuss the issue of rebels refusing to withdraw their candidature in the municipal corporations, councils and nagar panchayats, that go to the polls next week.
While the last day for withdrawal of nominations for the six municipal corporations, which go to the polls on February 22, was February 13, today was the last day for withdrawal of names for the 122 municipal councils and nagar panchayats that will see polling on February 25.The problem of rebels contesting against party’s official candidates has been witnessed mainly in Mohali and Moga.
In Mohali, the richest candidate in the fray — realtor Kulwant Singh — and his son Sarabjit Singh are contesting against SAD’s official candidates. In Moga, the tussle between Agriculture Minister Tota Singh and MLA Joginder Pal Jain has led to many rebels being fielded against the SAD nominees.A former public servant who unsuccessfully contested the 2012 Assembly elections from Moga and attributes Jain for his failure is now supporting the rebels contesting against Akali candidates owing allegiance to Jain.
Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, Adviser to the Chief Minister, said the party was committed to quelling dissidence. “No one is above the party and rebels will be shown the door,” he said, adding the list of rebels being expelled will be out tomorrow.He said those supporting the rebels against the party candidates would have to face the music.
The Akali Dal is not the only party facing rebellion. Both Congress and BJP are facing their own men against their official candidates at several places.
