BATHINDA: SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal managed to nip rebellion in Barnala in the bud by placating former SAD MLA
Malkit Singh Keetu
’s son Kulwant Singh. Kulwant was opposing the candidature of
Surinderpal Singh Sibia
from Barnala assembly constituency as he wanted to contest from his father’s seat.
The deputy chief minister reached Barnala on Monday evening and held a closed door meeting with Kulwant at his house for nearly an hour. Sukhbir was accompanied by party secretary general
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa
and Sibia. He announced to appoint Kulwant as his officer on special duty (OSD).
Two-time MLA Keetu was gunned down in 2013 and after his death Kulwant staked claim on SAD ticket from Barnala. Sources said that while Akali Dal wanted industrialist Rajinder Gupta to contest, he declined. Following this, former Congress MLA Sibia inducted into SAD and given ticket from Barnala.
Hundreds of supporters of Kulwant had assembled in the area on Saturday to ask the party to give ticket to him. There were also talks of him contesting as an independent, if denied Akali Dal nomination.
Sukhbir later told newspersons, “Kulwant is like younger brother. He is not at all angry with the party and has assured to wholeheartedly support our candidate. He will now work as my OSD.”
On the other hand, Kulwant said, “Our party president has assured to ensure all-round development of Barnala constituency and has asked me to stand by Sibia. I have decided to fully support him.”
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