Lukemarm response to Manpreet's Yatra

Anandpur Sahib : After evoking a good response from Malwa region during launch of the Jago Punjab Yatra and in Maghi Mela, Manpreet Badal failed to strike a chord with people of Anandpur Sahib. The onset of second phase of the yatra here today witnessed thin attendance of supporters. Absence of former deputy speaker Bir Devinder remained conspicuous. A large number of supporters were from parts of Gidderbaha, Muktsar and Malout. There were a few numbers aof local residents of Anandpur Sahib. Sporting yellow bands and scarves, Manpreet and his supporters held the rally on a private plot near Panj Piara Park. Badal received a lukewarm response from the area, whose MLA Sant Ajit Singh had earlier supported him. “Had MLA Ajit Singh remained by Manpreet’s side, the response to yatra could have been much better,” observed the locales. It is also being said many of Manpreet’s supporters, especially those from the SAD, could not come out openly out of the fear inviting wrath of their party leaders. Manpreet justified himself for leaving the post of the Finance Minister. He drew parallels with Subhash Chander Bose and said like Bose, he renounced the ministry to remain loyal to the people of Punjab. Manpreet said his front is not third, but new front. “Third front implies that we stand on third pedestal of race, whereas we are actually heralding new era as an alternative front to the Congress and the SAD,” he added. Manpreet promised his people moon saying that the after 12 months, when he comes to power, he would suck away all corruption from Punjab