Will work for strengthening party: Cheema

Newly appointed Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Harpal Singh Cheema today said he will work for strengthening the party and will take on the ruling Congress for allegedly not honouring its poll promises made to voters.

The 43-years-old leader, who represents the Dirba Assembly seat, replaces Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira as the LoP.

"My priority will be to raise pertinent issues like drugs, river water sharing and will also take on the state government for failing to keep its poll promises," Cheema said after being appointed as LoP.

"I will work for strengthening the party in the Assembly and outside as well and will hold protest against the state government for its failure on addressing burning issues," he said.

First time MLA Cheema, a Dalit face, further said that he would make people aware about the achievements of the Delhi government.

To a query, Cheema said he would continue to take guidance from Khaira.

Meanwhile, the party in a statement issued here said a Dalit face from the state has been given responsibility.

The national convener of AAP, Arvind Kejriwal has written a letter to the speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha requesting him to appoint Harpal Cheema as LoP, the statement said.