BARNALA: Reports of SAD (Longowal), led by former Punjab chief minister Surjit Singh Barnala’s wife Surjit Kaur — formed over a year back to oppose Badals-led Shiromani Akali Dal — being in dilemma about its future notwithstanding, the party leadership has denied any plan to merge with any party in the near future.
This follows an admission by Barnala’s son and former SAD MLA, Gaganjit Barnala, that he was keen to join Congress. The Punjab incharge of Congress affairs, Gulchain Charak had, however, revealed that his party wanted the entire SAD (Longowal) to merge with INC, instead of taking only Gaganjit on board.
Party president Surjit Kaur Barnala on Monday scoffed off “rumours of party being merged with Congress” or her husband and former Tamil Nadu governor S S Barnala holding talks with Congress. “There is no proposal to merge SAD (Longowal) with Congress. It’s the workers and office bearers of the party alone, who would decide about the future course of action. But, I can say that the party is not going to merge with Congress,” Surjit Kaur told TOI over phone on Monday.
As far as the future of her son and former MLA, Gaganjit Singh, is concerned, Kaur said, “I am trying to stop Gagan from joining congress, but the final decision lies with Gagan. Even if he decides to join Congress against family wishes, SAD (Longowal) will remain intact”. Surjit Kaur said deliberations were on about the future course of action to be adopted “for ensuring the fall of Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal as Badals have ensured biggest damage to Punjab. Barnala Sahib is not in touch with Congress, but we want to ensure Badal’s defeat at all costs”. Longowal Dal general secretary Baldev Singh Mann also refuted rumours about party merging with Congress. Talking to TOI, Mann said there is no reason for the party to merge with Congress.
News Source: Times of India
