Candidates of the People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) today opined that in case of a hung assembly, the party should not join hands with any of the mainstream parties, the Congress or the SAD. They told the party leadership that they should insist on re-election.
PPP chief Manpreet Singh Badal had convened a meeting of party candidates and office-bearers here today. Even as the candidates hoped to win at least 20 seats, they conveyed to Manpreet that a delay in raising party’s organisational structure proved a dampener for the party.
Some of the candidates also spoke about the role of the media and criticised the “package culture” introduced by a section of media. Candidates told the PPP leadership that “some mediapersons had approached us to buy an advertisement package to get positive stories published”.
The party has decided to launch its own fortnightly magazine to propagate its ideology. “We will soon come out with a news magazine,” said Bhagwant Mann.
Manpreet said what was most liked about the PPP was its resolve to eliminate the VIP culture. “People do not like politicians and VIPs roaming around with scores of bodyguards,” said Manpreet, adding, “We set an agenda for the elections and other parties followed it. We were the first to put economic and development issues on the political centrestage. Other parties followed these issues. Our secular approach made other parties to drop emotive issues and talk about improving the state’s economy. It was a big achievement of a new party like ours”.
The party has also decided to set up its front organisations such as a youth wing, farmers’ wing and a women wing. The party appreciated the help extended to it by NRIs. Manpreet said many NRIs had come to Punjab on their own and worked hard for PPP candidates.
The PPP today circulated a questionnaire carrying 12 questions among the party candidates and office-bearers asking them to fill the same and assured them that it will be kept confidential.
News Source: Tribune
