Will Sekhon’s nomination from Zira for 2022 election change political equations in Ferozepur ? 

Fissure in SAD visible

Will Sekhon’s nomination from Zira for 2022 election change political equations in Ferozepur ? 

Irrespective of Sekhon’s name for Assembly-22 elections from Zira, Avtar Singh announces to contest as Independent candidate

Ferozepur, April 13, 2021:  With the announcement of the name of Janmeja Singh Sekhon, former Cabinet Minister from Zira constituency by Shiromani Akali Dal – SAD, the political equations are likely to be changed in Ferozepur, making clearly visible the fissure between the Akali Dal  and family and supporter of late Taksali leader Hari Singh Zira.

Avtar Singh Zira son of Jathedar Hari Singh Zira who was claimant for assembly ticket for elections in 2022 from Zira.

On April 6, Avtar Singh Zira had held a meeting with his supporters at Gurudwara over a huge gathering in a revolt mode to announce to contest from Zira irrespective of party decision, which is likely to change the political equations in Ferozepur also.

In fact, Congress has strong hold both at Zira and Ferozepur.  But during the last assembly elections, Kulbir Singh Zira won the elections from Zira known as the hub of SAD with a margin of 23,071 votes (Congress 69,899, SAD 46,828 and AAP 30,947).  Moreover, SAD was not finding a suitable candidate to give a tough fight to Parminder Singh Pinky Congress MLA in Ferozepur but with the announcement of Janmeja Singh Sekhon’s name from Zira, had eased the position for Congress in Ferozepur.  From 1977 to 2002 and again in 2012, SAD had been holding Zira constituency.

Sekhon was first elected for the Punjab Legislative Assembly in 1997 as an Akali Dal candidate from Firozepur Cantonment. He was again elected in 2007 from Firozepur Cantonment. In the Parkash Singh Badal government, he was made Minister of Irrigation. In 2012 he successfully contested from new constituency Maur and retained Irrigation ministry.

Thought initially, it looks to be challenge for Sekhon at Zira over the divided SAD supporters in this constituency, yet still, there is sufficient time to set things right by the SAD High Command but so far the fissure is clearly visible within the party with this changed scenario.

At the same time, Kulbir Singh Zira who won the Congress seat from Zira – is the son of Inderjit Singh Zira former Minister – has also established his influence within this fours year of period to give a strong contest to the SAD candidate as well.

Now, outspoken Avtar Singh Zira about the intentions of Janmeja Singh Sekhon to contest the elections from Zira especially when he has not  been considered for ticket in the coming assembly elections has not been digested in the political circles and in the general public also.

Avtar Singh Zira has also come clear about the aim of SAD party that now there is no respect of ‘Taksali Akalis’ and Sukhbir Badal and Janmeja Singh Sekhon can won the election on the basis of money and muscle.  But it is their biggest mistake that now SAD candidate will win from Zira constituency rather it will lead to the downfall of the party.

Avtar Singh had said, on account of good response from the supporters and public in the recent ‘nukkad’ and public meetings, and to announce to resign from SAD by Circle Jathedars, has decided to contest as an Independent candidate from Zira.

It may be a big challenge for the SAD in the forthcoming polls in Punjab in Zira.