Badal holds rally in Amarinder's native village

MEHRAJ: Top politicians in Punjab are trying to outdo each other not just through personal attacks but also by taking the battles to each other's native places. While Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amarinder Singh had addressed a meeting at chief minister's former constituency of Gidderbaha a few days ago, Parkash Singh Badal reciprocated on Thursday by holding a rally at his native place, Mehraj, in Bathinda district.Badal told the gathering, "Don't listen to Congressmen, who are only interested in finding faults in developmental activities being undertaken by the ruling alliance."
Mehraj happens to be one of Punjab's biggest villages and has five panchayats. On the issue of who from SAD would be CM in case it got majority, Badal said, "It has not been discussed as of now. The issue will be debated by party's core committee." He was also asked about former minister C L Garg hinting at joining Manpreet Badal's campaign. The CM said, "Garg is very much with SAD but if anybody wants to leave, the party would not stop him or her."
Putting to rest any speculations about a possible change of party candidate for Rampura Phull seat - of which Mehraj is a part - the event had former power minister Sikander Singh Maluka sharing the stage with Badal. The CM said, "Maluka will be SAD's candidate in the upcoming elections and voting for him will go a long way in giving SAD another chance to serve the state."