Click to play videoNew Delhi: It's the Congress vs the Parkash Singh Badal government in Punjab in a race to win support of Dera Sacha Sauda which holds the keys to 55 seats. Dera will begin a two day meet on Sunday to take a call on whom to support.
Just 8 days left before Punjab goes to the polls and both parties are trying hard to control dissidence as well as win over the the support of the Dera Sacha Sauda - a Sikh Sect that influences about 55 seats. The Congress needs a win as a victory would help it to silence Team Anna and the Opposition.
President of Congress in Punjab Amarinder Singh said, "We have to win, not just Punjab but also Uttarakhand."
Amarinder Singh has been given a free run in the choice of candidates. Perhaps the Congress acknowledged that here he is the king but it's thrown up strong dissidence which could play a spoiler and hence taking no chances. Congress is trying to tie up loose ends, playing on the Sikh card with a Sikh as PM and using Rahul Gandhi's youth card to attract the young voters.
But it's the Dera Sacha Sauda support which Congress is counting on. Dera wields influence in about 55 seats with presence in 30 assembly segments of Punjab, including the Malwa region, a Akali stronghold.
For the Akalis, accused of corruption and poor governance, it's a tough fight. The Chief Minister too plays the maharaja card.
Prakash Singh Badal said, "A maharaja cannot understand the problems of the 'aam aadmi' (common man).
Both the national parties are eying Punjab polls closely. A win for Akali-BJP alliance would be a shot in the arm and a loss for the Congress would be setback ahead of the expected stormy budget session.
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