Dr.Avnish Jolly , LUDHIANA, March 15: Senior Congress leader and the national spokesperson of the All India Congress Committee, Manish Tewari today said, if the Shiv Sena, a strong ally of the Bhartiya Janata Party, could support Sharad Pawar for the post of the Prime Minister against Lal Kishen Advani, just because he (Pawar) was a Marhata, why can’t Punjabis support Dr Manmohan Singh.
Accompanied by MLA Jassi Khangura, Tewari while speaking at various villages in Dakha assembly segment, asked, “If Shiv Sena can support Sharad Pawar for the post of the Prime Minister just because he is a Marhata, why can’t Akalis do the same in Punjab.” But, he added, “they (the Akalis) led by Badals will never do that, because they are not bothered about the pride and prestige of Punjab, but their own power which they have restricted within their won family”.
He said, the whole world has acknowledged the genius of Dr Manmohan Singh. He disclosed that even the countries like the United States seek Dr Singh’s advice on various issues. “It is his unparalleled genius that has been recognized not only in India but by the whole world”, he pointed out, while adding, if India has not been hit by the economic crisis it is because of the brilliance and vision of Dr Manmohan Singh.
Tewari lashed out at the Shiromani Akali Dal for always opposing Dr Singh as the Prime Minister. “Not only that he is a great genius, but also because he is a true Punjabi and a true Sikh, we should feel proud of, but I am sorry to say, Akalis tried their best to ensure that he was removed from the post”, Tewari said, while referring to Akalis opposition to Dr Manmohan Singh during vote of confidence. He said, these are the same Akalis who swear by serving the interests of the panth and Punjab.
Tewari was accorded tumultuous reception in all the villages in the Dakha assembly segment including Chhapar, Mini Chhapar, Rajowal, Jukhana, Ghungrana, Majri, Kote Aga, Phulewal, Chamoda and Bhalowal Tewari. The villagers promised Tewari and Khangura that they would ensure the Congress won from their areas by maximum number of votes.