Ending speculations over BJP leader Vijay Sampla’s potential switch to either the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) or the Congress, party state president Sunil Jakhar reaffirmed Sampla’s commitment to the BJP. Jakhar stated, “Samplaji is with the party (BJP). I spoke with him. He is with us only.”
Addressing media persons at the BJP’s state headquarters in Chandigarh, Jakhar added, “Samplaji is very much part of the BJP family. We will sit together and sort out issues, if any.” This clarification comes in light of Sampla’s recent removal of the “Modi Ka parivar” tag from his social media account and his cryptic post about destiny.
Sampla had expressed his feelings following the BJP’s decision to allocate the Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha ticket to Anita Somparkash, the wife of the current Hoshiarpur MP, Somparkash. Although reports suggested that both the SAD and Congress were in touch with Sampla, Jakhar emphasized that Sampla remained a loyal member of the BJP.
In another development, former AAP’s Amritsar North MLA and ex-IPS officer Kunwar Vijay Pratap’s revelations about the drug mafia have been termed “incriminating and damning” by Jakhar. He urged the Election Commission to initiate a thorough investigation to identify and punish those involved in promoting and shielding the drug mafia in Punjab.
On the political front, Gurmail Singh Thekedar, the ex-Nagar council from Mansa and president of SAD’s Backward Class (BC) Wing, Mansa, announced his resignation from the SAD to join the BJP. Expressing his disappointment with the SAD’s caste-based politics, Thekedar stated, “Caste still matters and not experience, dedication, and work done by a person. Hence, I quit the Akali Dal and joined the BJP and will serve the BJP till my death.”
Reacting to Thekedar’s remarks, Jakhar expressed regret over such considerations still prevailing in politics. He highlighted instances where he faced similar biases during his time in the Congress.
Jakhar concluded by urging voters to prioritize communal harmony and choose leaders who genuinely follow the principles of great figures like Bhagat Singh and Ambedkar. He criticized other parties for selling tickets and compromising Punjab’s interests. Jakhar emphasized the BJP’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security in the state.
Leaders who joined the BJP on Thursday included former Mansa Nagar Council head and SAD BC Wing district president Gurmel Singh Thekedar, sitting Mansa Councillor Kanchan Sethi, vice-president SAD’s Mansa BC Wing Jaswinder Singh Kaku, among others, along with supporters from both SAD and Congress