Political conferences highlight of Punjab’s religious fair

MUKTSAR - Political conferences, an attempt to woo the masses, were the highlight of the historic Maghi Mela (fair) celebrated here Friday with great enthusiasm.

Thousands of Sikh devotees from various parts of Punjab gathered here to participate in the fair.

The fair is organised to commemorate the valour of 40 muktas (beloved ones or followers) who sacrificed their lives at the battle of Khidrana fought between the Mughal army and the 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh.

Political parties hold conferences at different venues on this occasion to propagate their agenda to the masses.

Punajb Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, state Congress chief Amarinder Singh and former finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal took this as a golden opportunity to win over the hearts of people.

Lashing out at rebel Manpreet Badal, who went against Akali Dal leading to his ouster from the party, Parkash Singh Badal said: Leaving the party and considering oneself wiser than the organisation is sheer ingratitude. If one has too strong an ego to obey the party discipline, he or she should never join a party.

Badal also criticised Amarinder Singh for misleading the public through his political stunts.

Whenever assembly elections drew near, he (Amarinder) comes out of hibernation. I dare him to explain where was he during the last four years and now, all of sudden, he has shown his ‘guest appearance’, said Badal.

Countering Badal’s allegations during his conference here, Amarinder said: I do not have a feeling of vindictiveness towards anyone. Badal is running away from his challenge of an open public debate at some neutral forum. He has nothing to show if it comes to public and transparent scrutiny.

Addressing another conference, Manpreet Badal, nephew of the chief minister, also hinted at floating a new political outfit March 23 at Khatkar Kalan - the birth place of legendary martyr Bhagat Singh.

I have proposed a different outfit that would aim at cleansing the political and administrative rot in the state, stated Manpreet.