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Shahkot, May 26
The Punjab Congress campaign for the Shahkot bypoll peaked on Saturday, the last day of electioneering, with Captain Amarinder Singh taking the constituency by the storm with a mega road show that saw enthusiastic crowds cheering the Chief Minister’s cavalcade through the lanes and bylanes of the region.
As the road show cruised through the area amid impassioned sloganeering and a riot of Congress colours, a confident Captain Amarinder Singh said party candidate Hardev Singh Laddi would win the election with a sweeping mandate.
The momentum for a clear and resounding victory had been built over the past few days by the party, said the Chief Minister, waving to the fervent crowds, who joined the road show in an unprecedented show of support for the Congress.
“We will win, and will win with a good lead,” said the Chief Minister, adding that he had received highly positive reports about Laddi’s prospects, and the mood in favour of the Congress was palpable, on the ground.
The Chief Minister lashed out at the Akalis for the total lack of development in Shahkot during the 14 years in which they had represented the constituency and pointed out that, in contrast, the Congress had, in just 14 months, brought development back on track across the state. He recalled that he had, in March this year, announced infrastructure development projects worth Rs 113 crore for Shahkot, and promised the people that his government would continue to invest in their welfare.
Castigating the Akalis for their mis-propaganda on the issue of compensation for muskmelon farmers, whose crop had been destroyed due to hailstorm, the Chief Minister said assessment of the losses had already been completed through Girdawari and compensation would be released after the election code of conduct is lifted.
The dues of the sugar mill owners, to the tune of Rs. 70 crore, had also been released by the government and the same would be disbursed after the election process is completed, he added, accusing the Opposition of trying to indulge in petty politicking over such sensitive issues.
Expressing full confidence about Congress victory in the by-election, the Chief Minister said the Punjab Congress had put its might into the campaign under the dynamic leadership of AICC leader Asha Kumari, PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar, and veteran party leader Rana Gurjit. The Opposition was fully prepared for its imminent defeat, he added.
The CRPF, as demanded by the Akalis, was already there in the constituency, the Chief Minister pointed out while talking to mediapersons en route the five-hour long journey, which saw his cavalcade drive through some of the key areas of the constituency. The Opposition would now have no excuse to give for their defeat, said Captain Amarinder.
In response to a question, the Chief Minister said his government, which had inherited a bankrupt Punjab, had made a good start with the farm loan waiver and employment generation schemes. The government, which still had four years to go, would fulfill all its pre-poll promises, Captain Amarinder asserted.
As men and women, young and old, cheered the procession on, the Chief Minister could be seen standing out, through the roof of the bus, to accept their undulating love and admiration, and thank them for braving the sweltering heat to come out in such large numbers in Congress support.
Starting from Lohian, the Chief Minister’s road show covered a large expanse of the constituency, passing through Rupewal, Malsian, Shahkot, Fazalwal, Parijan, Mehatpur, Valmiki Chowk, Near Cheema Hospital, to culminate at the Grain Market. MP SS Chaudhary, MLAs Raj Kumar Cheema and Navtej Cheema, besides Mandi Board Chairman Lal Singh were on board to lend their support to the campaign.
