Cong’s SYL link still haunts Captain Amrinder

                                Says never backed canal digging at Kapoori in ’82 

 PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh and Punjab affairs incharge Asha Kumari during a rally in Barnala on Saturday. Times Of Punjab Photo                                                                                                                                     

Times Of Punjab

Barnala, November 20

It seems that the Congress’ past in Punjab has become a burden for PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh.  Coincidentally when the Congress celebrated Indira Gandhi’s 100th birthday today, he was found trying to disassociate himself from her legacy in the state. He was speaking at a function held to mark the anniversary of Barnala district, which was carved out of Sangrur district 10 years ago.  On his opponents’ charge that he offered a silver spade to Indira to start digging the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal at Kapoori in 1982, he says his presence at the ceremony does not mean he endorsed her action. “I was Patiala MP at that time and Indira ji was the Prime Minister and my party’s president,” he says.  “She was visiting my constituency, so being a representative of that constituency, I was present there. But it doesn’t mean that I endorsed SYL digging,” he says.  Amid cheers, Amarinder continues: “Badal (CM Parkash Singh Badal) is a liar. Even his son is no different.”  “Punjab da babbar sher Capt Amarinder Singh Zindabaad!” a party worker raises this slogan on microphone and gets thundering response.  “They say, I offered a silver spade for digging,” he continues after a brief pause. “It is a complete lie,” he adds.  “If I ever offered a spade to anyone, it was during 1984 when the reconstruction of Darbar Sahib started.” He avoids saying word Operation Bluestar. He also doesn’t mention any name. However, old and young in a large number sitting on red chairs seem to have not forgotten one name: Indira Gandhi.  He announces that he will snatch buses from the Badals and give them to the unemployed youth. “Punjab de paniyan da raakha Capt Amarinder Singh Zindabaad!” a duty-bound worker raises the slogan on microphone and the crowd responds enthusiastically.  Singer-turned-politician Hans Raj Hans sings a song in Amarinder’s praise. He calls him the lion king and Badals the jackals. The crowd cheers again! But the Congress’ baggage in Punjab seems a bit heavy for the old lion’s shoulders.