Cong will again form Govt in Punjab: Amarinder

Patiala, Feb 13: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today exuded confidence that the Congress would win over 70 seats in the Assembly elections and retain power in the state.

Talking to mediapersons soon after casting his vote at Yadvindra public school, he said the people of Punjab had voted the Congress for development in the last elections and hoped they would again repose faith in the party this time.

Capt Singh said he was satisfied with his poll campaign as issues raised during the campaign concerned the people who were told to vote for development and a secure future.

Apprehending that some elements would try to prevent the people from exercising their franchise, the Chief Minister said he had directed the State Director General of Police to flush out the goonda elements from Punjab towns which were close to Haryana and added the Government would not allow the so-called ''Green brigade'' to disrupt the polls at ''the behest of INLD Chief Om Parkash Chautala.'' Capt Singh said he was confident about breaking this time the 40-year-old jinx of anti-incumbency factor. Ever since the reorganisation of states took place in 1966, no party held on to power in Punjab for two consecutive terms. The only exception was Pratap Singh Kairon who was assassinated on the outskirts of Delhi in the mid-1960s.

The Chief Minister was optimistic about getting an overwhelming response from the Malwa, Majha and Doaba areas.

When asked about his candidature to regain the Chief Ministership, he said the Congress will take a decision in this regard after the results are declared.

Meanwhile, rains prevented people from venturing out from their homes, resulting in low voter turnout in the first two hours. About seven per cent polling was reported from Patiala district and three percent polling in Patiala town from where Capt Amarinder Singh is seeking re-election.

UNI