Akalis face revolt in some constituencies

Moga, Jan 8 (UNI) The denial of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) tickets to Mr Bhai Harnirpal Singh Kukoo and sitting MLA Kushaldip Singh Dhillon from Muktsar and Faridkot constituencies respectively has evoked protests from their supporters.

Mr Sukhdarshan Singh Mrar, who won the Muktsar seat as an Independent in the last polls, has been chosen by the SAD to contest from this constituency. Mr Kukoo has raised a banner of revolt and threatened to contest as an Independent.

At Muktsar, Mr Kukoo's supporters alleged that Faridkot MP and SAD general secretary, Sukhbir Singh Badal, had sold party tickets.

Similarly at Faridkot, Mr Dhillon also accused the Junior Badal of harassing him. The party is yet to announce its nominee from the constituency.

Traditionally considered as the stronghold of SAD, the Malwa region witnessed voices of dissent by senior leaders yesterday. A number of Akali workers of Faridkot and Muktsar have threatened to quit the party.

Likewise, former SGPC acting chief Alwinderpal Singh Pakoke has also raised a banner of revolt after SAD nominated Mr Harmeet Singh Sandhu as its candidate from the Tarn Taran seat.

Mr Sandhu, who is a close confidant of Patti MLA Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon and the son-in-law of SAD chief Prakash Singh Badal, had defeated Mr Pakoke in the last elections.

Mr Pakoke is a relative of senior SAD Vice-President Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, who has again been nominated from the Naushera Pannua constituency. The denial of the ticket to Mr Pakoke is being seen in political circles as an attempt to erode the stature of Mr Brahmpura.

UNI