Two-time MLA Luv Kumar Goldy from BJP and former Cabinet Minister Malkit Singh Birmi on Thursday joined the Congress in the presence of top leadership of Punjab Congress.
Addressing a press conference here, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Thursday slammed the leaders who recently quit the party to join other political outfits, saying people will give them a befitting reply in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. His remarks came after three Congress leaders quit the party in the last three weeks.
Former Congress MLA Gurpreet Singh GP joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on March 9 and was declared the party’s candidate from the Fathegarh Sahib seat. A few days later, Raj Kumar Chabbewal, who was the MLA from Chabbewal, also joined the AAP. Three-time MP Ravneet Singh Bittu joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 26.
Replying to a question on certain party leaders who have quit the Congress, Warring said people are intelligent enough and will give a befitting reply to them in the parliamentary election. He said those who left the Congress were given everything by the party. “People will not tolerate them,” Warring asserted.
On the two leaders who joined the party, Warring said that Birmi parted ways with the party in 2014, choosing to disengage from political affairs to engage in grassroots social initiatives. After a decade, he has opted to reengage in politics under the Congress banner. Similarly, Goldy's departure coincided with Capt. Amarinder Singh's tenure change. "Now, they both return home to the Congress, having remained steadfast in their commitment to public service," he added.
The PCC President said, in contrast to the recent trend of opportunistic political maneuvering, these leaders have consistently prioritized the welfare of Punjab's citizens and their return underscores party's enduring appeal to those dedicated to the greater good.
Meanwhile, asked about the speculation on social media that he too might be joining the BJP, Anandpur Sahib MP Manish Tewari said he has been a spokesperson of the grand old party for 20 years. “And one thing I have learnt is not to dignify rumours and baseless speculation with a response. This is my response,” he said. “We are among those who give siropas (robe of honour),” Tewari said. He meant that he is among the leaders who welcomed others into Congress rather than being welcomed by other parties.
Congress general secretary and Punjab affairs in-charge Devender Yadav said the party will soon release its list of Lok Sabha poll candidates for the state.
