Two days after Gurcharan Singh Galib joined SAD, a few Congress leaders are promoting Tewari's candidature.

Kila Raipur MLA Jassi Khangura while addressing mediapersons said, “Galib has only been loyal to himself. He consistently worked against Congress but somehow managed to avoid being expelled. The Akalis were looking for a scapegoat and in Galib they found a willing victim.” They added, “Manish Tiwari is years ahead of Galib when it comes to intellect. He can proficiently communicate and debate.”

Former Mayor Nahar Singh Gill said, “His role in the allotment of corporation election tickets in 2002 is well- known.” Manish Tewari, meanwhile, said the wrong policies of the state government has thrown Punjab into total bankruptcy.

In a statement issued here today, Tewari said it is unprecedented that a state government has brought a vote-on-account budget in a non-election year.

“It is no less than financial emergency as the state has no funds even to pay the salaries,” he said.