There has been an important development which could have serious political ramifications in Punjab. The once all powerful Punjab Minister, Bikram Singh Majithia, who is the Deputy CM, Sukhbir Singh Badal's brother-in-law announced the other day that he would not be a contender for Presidentship of Youth Akali Dal. He said that he would like to step down as he already had too many responsibilities, including Presidentship of Punjab Rifle Shooting Association. But what he also said during the function appears to have given the game away. He said things to the effect that in Punjab to succeed you need the backing of the Punjab CM, Parkash Singh Badal and in case Badal Sahib's backing is not there, you stand nowhere.

Since then there have been all kinds of talk if Bikram Singh Majithia has completely fallen out of the Sr Badal's favour. The old man has in public functions often ticked off Bikram Majithia, who at one time enjoyed immense cloud, especially in Majha belt. His stock specially fell after the BJP senior leader, Arun Jaitley lost in Amritsar during Lok Sabha polls - a defeat which was blamed on Bikram's poor image in that area.

It may be too early to say if Bikram Singh Majithia was on the way out. But he has undoubtedly lost a lot of his clout. But the next few months would be interesting to watch.

свернуть