17 new faces on SAD list of 42; no word on Parkash Singh Badal

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 13

Keeping suspense over the candidature of five-time CM Parkash Singh Badal from the Lambi constituency, the SAD today announced candidates for 42 seats. The list has 17 new faces.

The party has so far announced 64 candidates. Surprisingly, a lone woman candidate — Vaninder Kaur Loomba from Shutrana constituency — figures on the list.

The Akalis aim to take the lead in poll campaigning despite the setback owing to farmers’ protests against their “Gal Punjab Di” yatra.

Ex-AIG Sandhu quits

Ex- AIG Harmohan Singh Sandhu, son of former minister Satwant Kaur Sandhu, resigned from the primary membership of the SAD on Monday. His father Ajaib Singh Sandhu was a two-time MLA and his mother won the Chamkaur Sahib seat five times. He was expecting a SAD ticket from Chamkaur Sahib seat. But it was allocated to the BSP. (Read full story)

The fresh list released by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal is silent on the Lambi seat. Party leaders insist the senior Badal was healthy to lead the campaign but it was his call on contesting from Lambi. There is also speculation that some other member from the Badal family may contest from the seat if the senior Badal decides otherwise. Sources indicate the party is mulling fielding former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra from the Ghanaur seat. It will mark Chandumajra’s return to the state elections after almost 25 years.

His son Harinderpal Singh Chandumajra has got the ticket from the Sanaur constituency in Patiala. Tota Singh and his son Barjinder Singh Makhan Brar have also got the party ticket from Dharamkot and Moga, respectively. However, another contestant Sikander Singh Maluka could not get a ticket for his son.

Among the new faces are two former BJP leaders — Anil Joshi and RK Gupta — and three former Congress leaders — Jagmeet Brar (Mansa), Jagbir Brar (Jalandhar Cantt) and Hans Raj Josan (Fazilka).

Youngster Paramjit Dhillon has got the ticket from Samrala, while kabbadi player and farm activist Gulzar Singh Gulzari will contest from Dirba. Maheshinder Singh Grewal will contest from Ludhiana West.