Accusing SAD of pressurizing police and administration to favour its candidates during August 21 bypolls, Congress leader Amarinder Singh today cautioned the officials against succumbing to the "pressure" saying the ruling party will not be in power for too long.
Addressing a rally at Jorian Bhatian here last evening, Amarinder said he knew and understood that they (police and administration) were under "tremendous pressure" to favour the Akali candidates both in Patiala and Talwandi Sabo.
"But don't worry the Akalis are not going to be there for ever and 2017 is not that far when they will be seen off and Congress will be in power," he said.
Reminding the officials of the oath they had taken to serve the people without any fear or favour, he said, "You don't need to be afraid of anyone as long as we are there to do justice... It is just a matter of two years more."
The former Chief Minister said the people of Punjab had "suffered" the Akalis for a long time and now was the time to show them their place.
"That is why I am saying, these bye-elections are very crucial as these will set the tone for the 2017 assembly elections", he said, remarking, "these elections will prove to be the game-changer for Punjab".
Expressing his gratitude to the public for their continuous support, he said, people of Patiala had a lasting bond with Congress as they had always supported the party no matter what the situation and circumstances have been.
"I know you are making us win, but you must ensure that the victory is with the largest ever record margin to send a clear and unambiguous message that you want this corrupt and hopeless government to go," he said.
Amarinder's wife and former union minister Preneet Kaur is contesting on Congress ticket from Patiala seat.
Amarinder said his and his family's bonding with Patiala and its people was not a momentary one or driven by any political interests, but it was personal and "rooted in over 300-year-old long history" of the city.
