Mann challenges Singla to contest from Sangrur

Mann added that if Punjab PWD minister Vijay Inder Singla had forgotten his defeat in 2014 Parliamentary elections, he should be ready to ‘test the waters’ again

Sangrur Challenging Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi and state public works department (PWD) minister Vijay Inder Singla’s claims of development and their dig at his profession as a comedian, two-time Sangrur MP and Aam Aadmi Party state unit chief Bhagwant Mann has dared Singla to take a ‘reality check’ by contesting from Sangrur.

Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann said it was easy to ridicule him for his jokes, but the development work he had done and processes he had set up to help the common man were serious work. (HT Photo)

“Singla invited Channi to Sangrur; here, Channi claimed that jokes do not lead to development. They should know, however, that I had donated the ambulances present at their rally. I have given grants to schools and libraries and recommended cases for free treatment of cancer patients. Are these works, jokes or development? If Singla has forgotten his defeat in the 2014 parliamentary elections, we can test the waters again,” Mann told HT over phone.

Earlier in the week, Channi had launched development projects in the district. At Deh Kalan village, without naming Mann, he had said, “There is no connection between politics and reciting jokes. To be a comedian is a different thing.”

Mann added, “I also defeated Congress’ candidate Kewal Singh Dhillon in the 2019 general elections. Congress leaders are not ready to accept the mandate of people, who elected me a second time. If he wants a new mandate for me for the third time, we can contest from Sangrur.” He added that he had also defeated Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and his son Parminder Dhindsa.

“During the campaigning for 2014 general elections, Singla targeted my jokes, but this strategy resulted in him losing his security deposit. When people give a mandate, they should not challenge it. If there is any need and my party asks me, we will check the value of jokes again,” Mann claimed.

PWD minister Vijay Inder Singla said, “Sangrur residents know how much work I have done. I believe in serving the people of my constituency and my efforts will continue.”