Bhagwant turns up at Talwandi Sabo to campaign against former confidant Balkar

TALWANDI SABO: Toeing the party line, Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann campaigned for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Baljinder Kaur at Talwandi Sabo for the assembly byelection, where his protégé and Punjabi singer Balkar Sidhu is also in the fray as independent contestant. Balkar was earlier AAP candidate from the seat before his name was dropped following a controversy.
The satirist-turned-politician visited few villages under Talwandi Sabo assembly on Saturday along with party nominee Baljinder and senior AAP leader Jarnail Singh. Addressing the villagers in his trademark style, Bhagwant distanced himself from Balkar saying he had come to campaign only for his party's official candidate even though his friend (Balkar) was also contesting the poll.
"People say I ensured Balkar got the AAP ticket, but I must make it clear that I did not put any pressure on the party to do so. Now since Baljinder Kaur is our party candidate, I am committed to ensure her victory. There should be no doubt about my inclination towards anyone except for Baljinder."
Meanwhile, AAP leader Jarnail hit out at Balkar. He said, "The party had given him the ticket as we did not have enough time to probe about the candidate's integrity and past record. When allegations came up against Balkar, we withdrew his name."