Patiala (R): Cong stalwart faces youth challenge

Aman Sood

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 21 

Two young candidates in fray for the Patiala (Rural) seat are posing a tough challenge to Congress warhorse Brahm Mohindra, making the fight a triangular one. The seat is considered a Congress stronghold. 

While the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has fielded 38-year old Karanvir Singh Tiwana, a prosperous agriculturist from Channa Nathuwalia village, who became sarpanch at the age of 22 years, the SAD-BJP has picked 34-year-old Satbir Singh Khatra, son of serving IPS officer Ranbir Singh Khatra. 

Denied ticket by the SAD, Khatra had contested as an Independent in 2012, polling 20,530 votes, enough to ensure the defeat of Akali nominee Kuldeep Kaur Tohra, who secured 34,475 votes, losing to Mohindra. 

  One of the prominent Hindu faces in the Punjab Congress, Mohindra may be considered for the post of Deputy Chief Minister, if the Congress comes to power, claim sources. A former Cabinet Minister, he has been a five-time MLA and has shifted three constituencies in the 36 years that he has been in politics, each time making way for a member of the royal family.   

Mohindra is banking on his personal connect with the residents. His recent roadshow drew large crowds. His campaign managers have put up giant hoardings of his picture with PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh to suggest his proximity to Captain. 

Mohindra has had a bitter-sweet relationship with Amarinder. In the past, he has accused Amarinder “of dividing the Congress” and skipped meetings called by him. But after the PPCC chief visited Mohindra’s house “to sort out the differences”, the two have been seen together at all party functions.

Reluctant to accept that his rivals are putting up a good fight,  Mohindra claims he is sure of his win under a “stronger Captain-led Congress”. 

Young Khatra is banking on the “good work” done by his party president and Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal in Punjab. He tells voters if elected, he would turn the constituency into one of the “most developed” since funds would not be a problem.

AAP candidate Tiwana’s family was once close to Akali leader Gurcharan Singh Tohra, but gave up active politics after the latter’s demise. Tiwana, while participating in the Anna Hazare movement, was drawn to Arvind Kejriwal and has been loyal to him since then. He had been seen driving Kejriwal in his car during the latter’s visits to Punjab. Tiwana’s rally in Tripuri area, which was addressed by the AAP convener, was a huge success.The large turnout made his rivals sit up. “Who knows the March 11 results may spring a surprise,” says an optimistic Tiwana.