Chandigarh Congress asks Akali Dal against BJP backing in civic polls

Chandigarh Congress has urged the Shiromani Akali Dal not to back the BJP candidate in the upcoming elections for Senior Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation on March 4.

Rajiv Sharma, spokesperson for Chandigarh Pradesh Congress, accused the BJP of harboring an anti-farmer stance. Sharma highlighted recent comments by the President of Chandigarh BJP, claiming that the BJP considers farmers undeserving of assistance, further emphasizing the party’s alleged anti-farmer sentiments.

Sharma criticised the BJP government in Haryana for its handling of the farmers’ protest on the Punjab-Haryana border, accusing it of misusing power and violently suppressing peaceful demonstrators with tear gas shells and rubber bullets.

He condemned the BJP’s dictatorial and cruel approach toward farmers, citing the tragic loss of life and property suffered by the farmers. Sharma emphasized that the Akali Dal should remember the over 700 farmer deaths in 2021 due to the BJP’s reluctance to withdraw the contentious agricultural laws during a year-long protest. The Congress spokesperson asserted that the Akali Dal councilors should not support BJP candidates in the mayoral elections, particularly in light of the Prime Minister’s alleged betrayal of promises made to farmers.

Sharma warned that if the Akali Dal aligns with the BJP, it would be akin to betraying the farmers. He urged the Akali Dal to sever ties with the BJP, stating that the Akali Dal started losing credibility among farmers when it entered into an electoral alliance with the communal party.