Som Parkash, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry on Monday issued a statement regarding the Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s decision to make Malerkotla a district.
His stand is contrary to the stand taken by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, to which the Punjab CM responded.
The political ramifications of Som Parkash going against the stance of his party could be more than cosmetic. It is worth reminding that Som Parkash is an ex-bureaucrat, an IAS officer turned politician. Besides, he is the Dalit face for BJP in Punjab.
All eyes are set on the 2022 Vidhan Sabha elections. “In these times when internal fighting in Captain Amarinder Singh’s party is going stronger, a statement like this from a rival party gives birth to uncommon possibilities”, say political experts.
They further added that communal harmony will be promoted by this decision of Punjab CM to make Malerkotla a district. “The newly-formed district is a Muslim-dominated region and has never seen a riot either before or after the nation’s independence”.
Meanwhile, they also said that though BJP leader’s stand is being appreciated, the political possibilities cannot be ignored.
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Does Som Parkash have any political interest behind this statement?
Pertinently, his wife Anita Som Parkash contested the last elections from Phagwara constituency. She could have been the candidate fielded by BJP but Rajesh Bagga, another Dalit face of BJP, was given the ticket and he faced a miserable defeat.
Further, new candidates are getting ready and the political experts remind that BJP has always been against heredity in politics.
Do the chances of Anita Som Parkash look bright in getting a ticket from BJP?
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Or at a bigger level, do the chances of BJP look bright, especially after the farmer protests?
What is the political significance of this statement?
“I congratulate the people of Malerkotla and thank CM Capt Amarinder Singh ji for declaring Malerkotala as district. This is a true tribute to Nawab Sher Mohammed Khan of Malerkotla, who opposed the execution of two Sahibzads”.
#Malerkotala is a symbol of communal harmony. Guru Gobind Singh had praised Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan of Malerkotla for speaking out against the execution of his sons by the Mughal Governor.
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I request Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh ji to declare Phagwara as district as well.
This is a long time demand of Phagwara people and all political parties.”