BATHINDA: Not waiting for the Punjab govt to accept her resignation after seeking premature retirement from her post in the IAS, former bureaucrat Parampal Kaur Sidhu, daughter-in-law of SAD leader Sikandar Singh Maluka, joined BJP along with her husband Gurpreet Singh Maluka on Thursday.
The saffron party is expected to field Parampal from the Bathinda parliamentary constituency against three-time MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal of SAD and agriculture minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian of AAP. Congress is yet to announce its candidate.
The 2011 batch IAS officer was to retire on Oct 31, 2024. She had been serving as the managing director, Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation (PSIDC), before she put in her papers, the news of which came out in the media on April 3. Since then, speculation was rife that she would join BJP.
After embracing the saffron party, Parampal Kaur said, “I’am highly inspired by the all-round development made by BJP in the last 10 years. The party’s policies are positive and taking the country ahead. The Indian passport is becoming stronger, a yardstick about the growing influence of India in the world.”
Her husband Gurpreet Maluka on his part said BJP under PM Narendra Modi would form the govt for the third consecutive time to take the country to new heights. He had served as chairperson, Bathinda Zila Parishad, during the previous SAD-BJP govt rule. However, former Akali minister Sikandar Singh Maluka still remains in SAD and till Wednesday was campaigning for the party. He was not available for comments.
Reacting to the development, SAD called it the “high-handedness” of BJP. “BJP wants to demolish regional parties which is not good for the federal structure of the country,” Akali Dal leader Prem Singh Chandumajra said.
Ahead of the 2022 Punjab assembly elections, the Malukas had become inactive for some time, leading to theories that the family wanted both Sikandar and son Gurpreet given tickets, but in the end, only the father was nominated by SAD. At an event in Patiala, SAD chief Sukhbir Badal said: “Jehda apna Khalsa BJP ch janda, osda DNA test karwana chahida (The DNA of a Sikh leader from SAD joining BJP needs to be get tested).”
We also published the following articles recently
Support the voice of Punjab, the SAD, Sukhbir S Badal appeals to Punjabis
Sukhbir Singh Badal urges Punjabis to support SAD during Punjab Bachao Yatra. Mentions schemes like aata-daal, shagun, old age pensions. Criticizes Congress, AAP, Bhagwant Mann. Discusses NSA, Gurdwara attack, drug menace.
IAS resignation not accepted yet, SAD neta's bahu joins BJP
IAS officer Parampal Kaur Sidhu, seeking early retirement, joined BJP with husband Gurpreet Singh Maluka. Punjab govt yet to approve her resignation. Intends to contest against Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, emphasizing India's global influence.
How Zodiacs deal with sadness?
Each zodiac sign has a unique way of coping with sadness. Aries show anger, Taurus isolates, Gemini distracts. Cancer dwells, Leo seeks attention. Virgo stays busy. Libra hides instability. Scorpio withdraws intensely. Sagittarius seeks escapism.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, Location Guesser and Mini Crossword. Neel Kamal writes about sustainable agriculture, environment, cli...
Read MoreNeel Kamal writes about sustainable agriculture, environment, climate change for The Times of India. His incisive and comprehensive reporting about over a year-long farmers' struggle against farm laws at the borders of the national capital won laurels. He is an alumunus of Chandigarh College of Engineering and Technology.
Read Less
Start a Conversation
Post comment