Chandigarh, November 5: A political alliance comprising AAP rebel MLAs, leaders of Panthic organisations on dharna at Bargari, the BSP, Lok Insaaf Party, rebel Akali Dal leaders and Patiala MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi is set to take shape in the state.
Sources said leaders of these parties had met in Jalandhar last week and finalised the details. They have even decided on the date of announcement, representatives of two parties have told to The Tribune. They said the suspension of AAP MLA Sukhpal Khaira from the party was likely to expedite the process.
Gurdeep Singh Bathinda, general secretary, United Akali Dal, said time was ripe to give a political alternative to the people of Punjab, “who have been cheated by both the Congress and the Akalis”.
He confirmed that meetings had already taken place, but refused to divulge details. He, however, said talks were also on with rebel Akali leaders, including Ranjit Singh Brahmpura.
Meanwhile, Khaira, who visited his Assembly constituency Bholath on Sunday, said his future plans were in the hands of the people of the state and the NRIs. “We will go by the wish of the people. We are looking to unite like-minded parties, including the groups from the Bargari morcha. We are aiming to form a secular set-up instead of a religion-based group.”
The political affairs committee of the rebel AAP group of eight MLAs will meet in Chandigarh on Monday. The sources said another meeting was scheduled this week where apart from the Khaira group, Panthic leaders and BSP’s national general secretary Megh Raj would be present.
The state unit of AAP, meanwhile, has also called a meeting of its core committee on Tuesday to chalk out the future strategy.
Source Tribune India
