But before getting into the election mode, SAD will have to set its house in order. Recently, workers’ meetings were organised by SAD candidate Dr Daljit Singh Cheema in Nawanshahr and Banga on January 29, but former district SAD president Resham Singh Thiara who had also fought elections on SAD ticket in 2002 and faced rebellion from the then sitting MLA Jatinder Singh Kariha and his loyalists, was conspicuous by his absence.

In 2007, Thiara was denied the party ticket, which was given to Kariha. To pacify Thiara and his men, the then SAD president Parkash Singh Badal had announced at a gathering to appoint him chairman of a board or a corporation after formation of the SAD-BJP government. Badal also advised him to work for the progress of the party.

But two years on, Thiara is waiting for Badal to fulfill his promise. Sources said the non-participation of Thiara and his loyalists in the party activities was nothing but a way of showing resentment. They said the CM should look into the matter before he comes here for Sangat Darshan on February 5.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders in Nawanshahr too are unhappy with the SAD’s attitude.