Kanwaljit’s son ‘quits’,kin blame it on depression

Later,during the day,drama unfolded when family members and the Akali Dal attempted to discount the entire episode,claiming that Bunny’s outburst was the result of “stress and depression”. “He is very much a part of the Akali family,” SAD secretary Dr Daljeet Cheema told The Indian Express this evening. He said Bunny had not slept for days and has been asked to rest. Bunny’s decision has had strong opposition from his family as well,said sources. Throughout the evening,top SAD leaders were with the family,trying damage control.

But the day saw some curious twists. At Bunny’s doorstep this evening was another unexpected guest,Capt Amarinder Singh. His visit to the family coincided with the day Bunny announced to quit the Akali Dal. Capt Amarinder and Capt Kanwaljit have been both Akalis and from the same regiment. His arrival fueled speculation of Jasjit Singh joining the Congress and even being offered to contest from Anandpur Sahib. Capt Amarinder,however,said,“I have not come here to play any politics. I am here to share the family’s grief.” He also declined to comment on Bunny’s decision to quit.

If the grapevine has it,there are talks within the party to re-induct Bikram Singh Majithia in the Cabinet.

If Bunny sticks to his stand,he would be pitted against SAD nominee Prem Singh Chandumajra and Preneet Kaur,sitting Congress MP and wife of Capt Amarinder Singh.

Bunny also resigned as chairman of the Punjab Cooperative Bank,a post which he got by virtue of his father being the cooperation minister,despite losing the 2007 Assembly election from Kharar.

At a hurriedly-convened press conference,Jasjit Singh said,“I have decided to contest as an Independent candidate from Patiala. For this,I am resigning from the SAD.” He said he took this decision since this was a “befitting tribute” to his father who had served the people of the constituency for decades. Bunny also denied any differences with SAD. He said he had great respect for Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal,who,he said,“was just like his father”. “My decision to contest as an Independent is spontaneous,” he said.

He also said the Banur Assembly seat would be contested by a family member.

A few days back,SAD president and Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal was quoted saying that there was no need to adjust Bunny since he was already chairman of Punjab Cooperative Bank. This statement by Sukhbir Badal is learnt to have triggered this reaction.

However,Sukhbir Badal said,“I never made such remarks. I have been misquoted in a mischievous manner.” He said Capt Kanwaljit Singh was one of the stalwarts of the SAD. “We hold him and his family in the highest esteem. We are,in fact,proud of them,” he said.