Bains changes tone, calls Pargat, Navjot opportunists

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, November 29

The Lok Insaaf Party led by the Bains brothers today termed former BJP leaders Dr Navjot Kaur Sidhu and Pargat Sidhu, who joined the Congress yesterday, opportunists.

The Bains brothers — Simarjit Singh Bains (Atam Nagar MLA) and Balwinder Singh Bains (Ludhiana South MLA) — recently joined hands with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to contest the Assembly elections.

“In spite of forming the Awaaz-e-Punjab, both Dr Navjot Kaur and Pargat wanted to join the Congress. They forced us to join the Congress, but we insisted on AAP. As no settlement could be reached, we parted ways and joined AAP,” Simarjit Singh told the media here.

Several AAP leaders, including HS Phoolka, were present at the press meet.

“I still respect Dr Navjot Sidhu and Pargat because they are honest. But they have made a bad choice that is against the interests of Punjab,” the Independent MLA said, adding if they wanted to join the Congress, it would have been better that they stayed in the SAD.

Will he campaign against the two leaders? “Yes, I will definitely campaign against Dr Navjot Sidhu and Pargat,” Simarjit added. Phoolka said AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal would address a joint rally of the AAP and Lok Insaaf Party in Ludhiana on December 11. He said Kejriwal’s stand on SYL was clear. “He has already clarified that Punjab does not have surplus water to share.”