SAD’s NK Sharma, Cong’s Bali fight at TV studio, actually

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) legislator NK Sharma allegedly got into a scuffle with Congress leader Gurvinder Singh Bali at the studio of a Punjabi news channel after Bali made some direct allegations of land fraud against him. The drama was witnessed at the studio in Phase 8B, industrial area, SAS Nagar, on Monday during the debate that was actually on the issue of the Congress appointing Asha Kumari — a Himachal Pradesh MLA who was convicted in a land-grab case — as its state unit in-charge.

Shiromani Akali Dal legislator NK Sharma. (HT File Photo)

Congress leader Gurvinder Singh Bali. (HT File Photo)

Even as Bali alleged that the Dera Bassi MLA, who is a real estate tycoon and also a chief parliamentary secretary, punched him in the chest and pushed him off his chair, Sharma denied that anything of the sort happened.

But at least two other persons present in the studio at the time said a scuffle took place in which some “shoves and abuses were exchanged”. In about 15 minutes, the anchor and others intervened, and the debate was held and even telecast.

“The fight happened as Bali mentioned a recent report of Rs 1 crore pending as electricity bill at a project of Sharma’s firm, at which he got agitated. Then Bali also made general allegations of land-grab against Sharma, which led to the scuffle,” said a source, who did not want to be named.

Bali alleged, “Sharma was frustrated as I exposed his corruption and land-grabbing in Zirakpur.” He also alleged that Sharma’s gunmen “barged into the studio”, though this could not be verified from others present at the place. Sharma reacted: “Bali is making false allegations only to gain publicity. I did not hit anyone and the debate was held in a very cordial atmosphere”.

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Capt Amarinder Singh, (HT File Photo)

Arrest Sharma: Amarinder

On Tuesday, after reports of the fight came out, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Capt Amarinder Singh condemned the “criminal assault” by Sharma and demanded registration of a case and his arrest. “Let me promise you today, that it is matter of six months more, and you will have to repent for it as your countdown has already begun,” Amarinder said, referring to Punjab assembly polls due early next year.