Victory in 2014 was amid Modi wave, it will be far easier now

Deepkamal Kaur
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, May 16

Sitting Congress MP Chaudhary Santokh Singh is in the fray again from the Jalandhar Lok Sabha seat where the party has never repeated its candidate. Three days ahead of voting, he talked about his achievements, unfulfilled works and various promises he is making to voters. Excerpts:

What do you think are your main achievements as an MP?

I debated in the Parliament on a range of topics, including those on drug addiction and law and order issues. Though I was in the Opposition, I followed up the case of setting up a domestic airport in Adampur with the ministries concerned. I got ROBs for Jalandhar sanctioned, including those at Paragpur, Dakoha and Guru Nanakpura. I even proposed that a cash credit limit for disbursement of the SC Post-Matric Scholarship be started so that students are not harassed, as of now.

Having won by a margin of 70,981 votes in 2014, how do you place yourself now?

I won by that margin when there was a Modi wave in the country. At that time, there was no Congress MLA in Jalandhar. The Mayor too was of the BJP. Panchayats and block samitis were also with the SAD. But now, I have my team of MLAs, Mayor, sarpanches and block presidents working in my favour. My party is in power in the state. Hence, I expect my margin to go double.

Don’t you think that the Congress infighting is affecting you?

There is no infighting. Some Congress leaders may have differences with one another but they are all with me in the poll. Former MP MS Kaypee had initially opposed my candidature but he has supported me thoroughly during my campaign. Barring one odd leader, they will all get votes polled for me.

What are your promises to the voters, if voted again?

I am giving three big commitments this time. One, I intend to bring in heavy industry in Jalandhar. The last heavy industry to come in Doaba was the RCF in Sultanpur Lodhi. Second, I will try to get PIMS back with the government. If that does not become possible now, I will bring in another AIIMS-like medical institute to Jalandhar. Third, since many youngsters are opting for foreign education, I wish to bring in an IIT or an IIM in Jalandhar too.

Your take on allegations that you spent a larger amount of MPLAD funds in Phillaur, from where your son contested.

I do not buy this argument. I have been fair with my MPLAD doles. I have done equitable distribution of funds. I have rather taken along all MLAs for meetings in Chandigarh and sought discretionary funds for them too. I have found more satisfaction in giving funds to the Civil Hospital for a platelet separator machine and ventilator.

Do you think gains of BSP candidate will affect you?

I don’t think so. AAP candidate Jyoti Mann too had polled 2.5 lakh votes last time. Still, I was a winner.