Thursday, 17 November 2016

Akali Dal names 69 candidates for Punjab polls, Dhindsa shiftedrevious Image

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 16

The Shiromani Akali Dal president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal, on Wednesday announced the first list of 69 candidates of the party for the Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections due early next year.

Releasing the list from the party head office, Sukhbir said all the Cabinet ministers will contest for their respective assembly segments barring Parminder Singh Dhindsa who will contest from Lehragaga instead of Sunam.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

He said the second list of the party will also be released soon in the coming days.

Among those named in the first list include Cabinet minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia who will be seeking a re-election from Majitha assembly constituency in Amritsar district.

The party which is having an alliance with the BJP will be contesting 94 seats. There are 117 Assembly seats in the state.

Among the ministers named were — Adesh Partap Singh Kairon (Patti), Ajit Singh Kohar (Shahkot), Gulzar Singh Ranike (Attari), Sohan Singh Thandal (Chabbewal), Janmeja Singh Sekhon (Maur), Tota Singh (Dharamkot), Bikram Singh Majithia (Majitha), Sikander Singh Maluka (Rampura Phul), Surjit Singh Rakhra (Samana), Sharanjit Singh Dhillon (Sahnewal) and Daljeet Singh Cheema (Ropar).

Others on the list included Amarpal Singh Bonny from Ajnala, Veer Singh Lopoke (Raja Sansi), Sarup Chand Singla (Bathinda Urban), Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu (Talwandi Sabo), Hari Singh (Zira).

MP Prem Singh Chandumajra's son Harinderpal Singh was named as the SAD candidate from Sanour.The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has already announced the names of 79 candidates for the Punjab polls. — With inputs from agencies

AAP fields Tohra’s daughter

Party’s 5th list has 12 names, most of them first-timers

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17
Kuldeep Kaur, daughter of the late Akali stalwart Gurcharan Singh Tohra, is one of the 12 candidates announced by the Aam Aadmi Party for the Punjab elections today.

Kuldeep Kaur, an SGPC member from Sanaur, will contest from the Sanaur seat in Patiala district.

With the release of the fifth list, AAP has announced 91 candidates so far.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Apart from her, an ENT specialist, a retired Army officer and a retired PCS officer figure in the list. Dr Sanjeev Kumar Sharma will contest from Jalandhar (Central); Capt Bikramjit Singh Pahuwindia from Khemkaran; Rajkumar Mahajan from Pathankot; Balwinder Singh Sahota from Amritsar (West), Narinder Singh Sandha from Ferozepur (City); Malkiat Singh Thind from Guru Harsahai; Kanwalpreet Singh Kaki from Qadian; Bhupinder Singh Bittu from Khadoor Sahib; Giriraj Rajora from Balluana; Capt Gurbinder Singh Kang from Baghapurana and Harbhajan Singh from Jandiala.

Kuldeep Kaur said the families of Akali stalwarts have been ignored by the current leadership of Akali Dal for the past several years. “Now I find only AAP which is close to the politics of the common man.”

In August, leaving the Akali Dal, Kuldeep Kaur Tohra and her husband Harmail Singh Tohra had joined AAP.

SAD faces revolt day after first list

Kartarpur MLA Phillaur resigns

Rachna Khaira

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, November 17

Former Jail Minister and sitting SAD MLA from Kartarpur Sarwan Singh Phillaur today resigned from the party, a day after he was denied ticket.

Phillaur told The Tribune that he had submitted his resignation today at the office of Vidhan Sabha Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal.

When asked about the possible reason for the ticket denial, Phillaur said despite working hard for the development of his constituency, his effort was not recognised by the party.

Also denying his son Damanvir Singh’s alleged involvement in the multi-crore drug racket case to be the reason behind the ticket denial, Phillaur said he would open his cards at the right time.

Phillaur was earlier Jail Minister but was removed from his post after he and his son Damanvir Singh’s name cropped up in the drug racket. His close proximity to Goraya-based businessman Chunni lal Gaba also proved to be a costly affair.

Phillaur was instrumental in winning the Congress dominated Kartarpur seat for SAD in 2012. He had earlier contested from Phillaur and remained its MLA for four times.

Will contest at any cost: Bhagike

Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, November 17

The SAD is facing a tough time in the Nihal Singh Wala Assembly constituency after the party denied ticket to sitting MLA Rajwinder Kaur Bhagike and announced Jagraon MLA SR Kaler as the party candidate.

Irked over the move, Bhagike announced her resolve to contest the coming elections at “any cost”.

A large number of Bhagike’s supporters assembled at her residence and demanded the party to reconsider its decision. It is quite strange that a sitting MLA has been denied the ticket without any concrete basis, they claimed.

Kaler has reportedly been shifted from Jagraon to Nihal Singh Wala in Moga district because of the alleged rivalry between Agriculture Minister Tota Singh and Bhagike.

Tota Singh had been putting his weight behind Moga district zila parishad chairperson Amarjit Kaur Sahoke for Nihal Singh Wala seat. But the party chose Kaler and gave ticket to Sahoke from Jagraon.

Bhagike said the party has ignored 60 years of her family’s dedication. Kaler said the party’s decision was for its betterment and every party worker should abide the party decision.

Sandhu irked

Manish Sirhindi

Tribune News Service

Patiala, November 17

Akali Dal leader Tejinder Pal Singh Sandhu is reportedly planning to contest as an Independent candidate from Ghanaur.

Sandhu had contested the last elections from Sanaur, but lost to Lal Singh of the Congress. He was then made halqa incharge of this constituency. He was recently replaced by Harinder Pal Singh Chandumajra, who also bagged the party ticket from Sanaur.

Sandhu said he had met party president Sukhbir Badal and told him clearly that he would contest the next elections. “I have convened a meeting of my supporters following which I will make a formal announcement to contest as an Independent candidate,” Sandhu said.

Political observers said the development might affect the party’s prospects as Sandhu had a considerable support base in Ghanaur.

AAP’s fifth list of 12 candidates

Dr Sanjeev Kumar Sharma (63)

Jalandhar (Central)

An ENT specialist, he is a former president of the Indian Medical Association, Jalandhar unit. He runs an NGO ‘Vision Punjab’.

Capt Bikramajit Singh Pahuwindia (47)

Khemkaran

He is AAP’s Punjab Ex-Servicemen Wing’s former convener. He was honoured with Shaurya Chakra. He is popular for his social service in border areas for running Shaheed Baba Deep Singh Charitable Trust.

Rajkumar Mahajan (48)

Pathankot

He is a councillor in Pathankot and the president of the local Mahajan Sabha.

Balwinder Singh Sahota (39)

Amritsar (West)

He is a gold medallist in MSc (statistics). Sahota is a software consultant by profession.

Narinder Singh Sandha (56)

Ferozepur (City)

He is former chairman of the Zila Parishad. He is also an ex-president of the Market Committee and Truck Union.

Malkiat Singh Thind (48)

Guruharsahai

He holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy; has been running a chemist shop for 27 years.

Kanwalpreet Singh Kaki (38)

Qadian

At 38, he is the youngest candidate in the fifth list. He was convener of Pagri Sambhal Jatta and former chairman Block Samiti, Kahnuwan.

Bhupinder Singh Bittu (50)

Khadoor Sahib

He is a former sarpanch of Khawaspur village. Besides, he is a former chairman of the Market Committee, Khadoor Sahib, and former member of Block Samiti, Khadoor Sahib.

Giriraj Rajora (59)

Balluana

He is a former GM, Punjab Smal Industries Corporation. He is the chairman of NGO Malwa Rural Development Council. Rajora has studied law.

Capt Gurbinder Singh Kang (62)

Bagha Purana

A commercial pilot, he is the president of farmer and labour wings of AAP. He was instrumental in organising AAP’s mega rally at Bagha Purana in September.

Harbhajan Singh (48)

Jandiala

He has MA and B Ed degrees. He was an officer from the Punjab Civil Services (Allied).

Wife of Sukhbir’s OSD fails to appear in court

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, November 17

The court of Vishesh, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Muktsar, has now given the fresh date of December 15 to Karamjit Kaur, wife of Charanjit Singh Brar who is OSD to SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, to appear in a case of cheating registered against her in 2003.

The court had issued proclamation notice against Karamjit Kaur, telling her to appear in court on November 15. But she didn’t do so. Earlier, the non-bailable warrant of her arrest had returned unexecuted.

A case was registered against Karamjit Kaur after former MLA Gidderbaha Raghubir Singh Pardhan had filed a complaint to the then Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh. He had alleged that she had produced fake certificates to get admission to a higher course on the basis of which she got the job of a teacher.

Thereafter, Amarinder had marked a probe to the state Vigilance Bureau, which had booked her under Section 420 of the IPC as she was found guilty of having produced fake education certificates.

Cheating case

Karamjit Kaur had allegedly produced fake certificates to get admission to a higher course on the basis of which she got the job of a teacher.
The state Vigilance Bureau had booked her under Section 420 of the IPC

Plea for Tota Singh’s removal fails to make any headway

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17

The plea for the removal of Tota Singh from the Cabinet of ministers today failed to make any headway.

As the issue came up for consideration, the Punjab and Haryana High Court asked petitioner’s counsel HC Arora to explain the Bench’s jurisdiction to direct the Chief Minister to consider removing Tota Singh from the Cabinet.

The removal was being sought on the ground of his conviction and a year’s imprisonment on charges of corruption and framing of charges in another case under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Arora was also asked by the Bench to satisfy it regarding petitioner Sukhjeet Singh’s locus standi to maintain the PIL against Tota Singh as he was the minister’s political opponent and had also filed an election petition against him.

At this stage, a counsel appearing for Tota Singh requested for adjournment for filing a reply in the matter. Taking a note of the request, the Bench granted him two weeks time before adjourning the hearing on the PIL for December 5.

Arora has all along been pleading that the issue before the Bench was the enforcement of Supreme Court judgment, for which every citizen has the right to approach the High Court. The petitioner was not seeking any relief for himself.

SYL: Cong for fresh tribunal

Ravi S Singh

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 17

Punjab Congress president and former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today led a delegation to President Pranab Mukherjee.

He urged the President to act upon the opinion given to him by the Supreme Court on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal only after ascertaining the ground reality in the state which is reeling under acute water shortage. To this effect, the delegation urged the institution of a fresh tribunal.

All the Congress MLAs, who have resigned on the water issue, and MPs were part of the delegation.

The Congress submitted a memorandum to Mukherjee which said that the SC’s verdict on SYL was not based on the current realities in Punjab.

The memorandum pointed out that Haryana and Rajasthan are neither riparian nor basin states. Hence, they have no locus standi for a share in the waters.

Emerging from the meeting, Amarinder said the Congress has apprised Mukherjee of a possible outbreak of violence in the state where the situation was extremely fluid and tense following the apex court verdict.

He said that if the Congress comes to power in the state, a new law would be enacted to protect the state’s interests on riverwaters.

He alleged that the SAD-BJP government was aggravating the situation with its irresponsible actions, including passing of the two “illogical resolutions in the state Assembly that are mere eye wash.” He condemned AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal for maintaining a “studious” silence on the SYL issue.

Delegation meets CEC

Earlier, Amarinder led a delegation to Chief Election Commissioner Naseem Zaidi and raised apprehensions on the possible misuse of authority by the ruling SAD-BJP to rig the Assembly election. The Congress demanded holding of snap polls under President’s Rule and immediate imposition of the Model Code of Conduct.

Pay for water, Majithia tells Delhi CM

Chandigarh: Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia on Thursday said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal should first pay the complete cost to Punjab for the water his state had been receiving for long before coming to Punjab to solicit support for AAP. Majithia said Kejriwal should immediately respond to the Punjab's resolution by releasing the payment. He said Kejriwal on a visit to the state had stated that Punjab had no spare water, but he took a U-turn on returning to Delhi. tns

‘Capt master cook’

Chandigarh: Union Minister Harsimrat Badal alleged that PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh had proved he was a master cook by cooking up a resignation drama. She said: "It is one week since the SC order, but he has still not sent the resignation in the required format." tns

Sukhbir, Majithia meet Radha Soami sect head

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, November 17

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal and his brother-in-law Bikram Singh Majithia yesterday met Dera Radha Soami head Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon at the dera premises in Muktsar and Malout.

The visit was kept a secret. Even the police and senior officers in the district administration were not informed in advance.

Majithia’s wife Ganeive Grewal is a relative of the dera head. The visit just after announcing the first list of candidates for the Assembly elections has raised eyebrows.

Congress MLA from Muktsar Karan Kaur Brar, who was present at the dera congregation in Muktsar, said, “Sukhbir and Majithia reached the dera about 5.20 pm. They sat among the people for nearly 10 minutes and then met the dera head behind the podium briefly.”

Later, the two SAD leaders reached the dera premises in Malout, where they held a meeting with the dera head.

A SAD leader of Malout said, “It was a secret meeting and none other than the three (Sukhbir, Majithia and Babaji) were allowed to enter the room. It lasted almost 30 minutes. Babaji is here for a congregation on Thursday.”

SYL: Leaders in catch-22 ahead of Punjab elections

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17

The Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, which has once again heightened bitterness between the two neighbouring states, has put many political leaders from Haryana, who campaigned in Punjab for elections in the past, in a tricky situation.

Leaders of almost all political parties – the BJP, the Congress and the INLD – had been campaigning for their respective parties during elections in Punjab and likewise, politicians from the neighbouring state campaigned in Haryana.

The INLD, for instance, had been sending a large number of its workers to the neighbouring districts of Punjab for campaigning for SAD candidates while senior Akali leaders used to come to Haryana for campaigning.

Such have been the relations between top leadership of the INLD and the SAD that Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal campaigned for the party in Haryana during the 2014 polls even as the INLD was contesting against the BJP, SAD’s alliance partner in Punjab.

In the 2009 and 2014 Assembly elections, the SAD won one seat each in Haryana in alliance with the INLD.

However, things have changed. The INLD snapped its political ties with the SAD after the Punjab State Assembly passed a resolution against the construction of the SYL canal in March this year. “We are not going to support any political party in Punjab this time,” confirmed Ashok Arora, INLD state president.

Congress leaders of both states, too, have been campaigning in each other’s state in the past. However, the current rancour has forced Congress leaders from Haryana to hold back this time.

Former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda has rather demanded imposition of the President’s rule in Punjab and its continuation till the construction of the canal was completed under the supervision of the Centre. “I will definitely go to Punjab for campaigning, if I am invited. But I will demand Haryana’s share of SYL waters in my speeches,” Hooda told The Tribune. Captain Abhimanyu, a senior minister in the Khattar government, is in a catch-22 situation as he has been appointed the party’s co-in-charge of campaign in Punjab.

Though Abhimanyu said after the SC verdict that both states would find an amicable solution to the issue, it was to be seen how he will strike a balance between interest of his own state and those of Punjab.

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 17

In the 2009 and 2014 Assembly elections, the SAD won one seat each in Haryana in alliance with the INLD.

Congress leaders of both states, too, have been campaigning in each other’s state in the past. However, the current rancour has forced Congress leaders from Haryana to hold back this time.

Changing equation

The INLD snapped its political ties with SAD after the Punjab State Assembly passed a resolution against the construction of the SYL canal in March this year.

SYL land ‘returned to owners’ even as court battle still on

DEFIANT, AND HOW For revenue record mutation in four districts, staff working overnightFARMERS HAVE BEEN TOLD BY LOCAL AKALI LEADERS TO TAKE PHYSICAL POSSESSION AFTER TAKING COPIES OF LAND RECORDS

PATIALA: Even as the battle with Haryana is still on in the Supreme Court, land for the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal is being restored, in revenue records, to the original owners at breakneck speed by Punjab’s SAD-BJP government.

On Thursday, the November 16 notification by irrigation secretary Kahan Singh Pannu reached deputy commissioners of four districts where the SYL land is located. Within hours, revenue department officials showed the land as returned to the original owners.

Officials have even reported that “90% owners have taken possession”. That is on the basis of the March 16 and 17 action when, assisted by all political parties, the original owners had taken over land after the Punjab assembly passed a bill for the acquired land’s de-notification.

That bill is still pending for assent by the governor and the Supreme Court too had ordered status quo, but the state cabinet earlier this week took an executive decision to return the land anyway. The cabinet’s defiant move had come after the SC on November declared “invalid” Punjab’s 2004 law by which the state had unilaterally annulled all water-sharing agreements, including the SYL canal with Haryana.“The report for restoration has been recorded in the official books of every patwari. The record-mutation work is on. We will complete it within the next few hours,” said a revenue official overseeing the process at Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala, where patwaris were on the job at least till 8pm. Other two districts covered are Rupnagar and SAS Nagar.

The number of original owners is around 4,900 for the 5,376 acres. “We have clear directions to implement this decision in 24 hours,” said a deputy commissioner who refused to be named, fearing ire of the SC for alleged contempt of its orders. Other DCs and senior officials expressed the same concern.

Punjab Patwar Union leader Mohan Singh said, “We have decided to work overnight so that by Friday we can start giving mutation record copies to the original owners. In case of descendents and legal heirs, the mutation can be changed again later, but for now we will restore the land in the name of the person from whom it was acquired, whether he/she is alive or not.” Lambardars (local revenue officials) has been directed to assist patwaris.

Farmers have been told by local Akali leaders to take physical possession after taking copies of land records. “We levelled the canal next to our fields in March, but could not start farming as officials later denied permission. I have decided to sow wheat on that land now,” said Jagsir Singh of Banaur village.

The state’s notification says, “In view of the decision of [the] cabinet of government of Punjab, it is hereby notified that the land acquired for the SYL canal project which is presently vested in the Punjab Government, free from all encumbrances, stands de-notified with immediate effect and shall forthwith vest in the original land owners or their lineal decadents/legal representatives, free of cost.”

Rajpura sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Harpreet Singh Sudan said there are 49 villages in Patiala from where land for SYL was acquired, and most were in Rajpura. “Revenue officials are acting as per government notification,” he said.

In SAD’s first list, a mix of fresh and tested candidates

GURMEET SINGH KULAR ALSO HAS A STRONG BACKING OF HERO CYCLES LIMITED, A CYCLE GIANT BASED IN LUDHIANA, AND ALSO HOLDS A REPUTATION NOT ONLY AMONG THE CYCLE AND BICYCLE PARTS MANUFACTURERS BUT ALSO OTHER INDUSTRIALISTS OF THE CITY

LUDHIANA: From fielding a wellknown industrialist in the city opposite independent candidate Simarjeet Bains to giving the ticket to a woman candidate in Jagraon, the Shiromani Akali Dal, while announcing names for the 11 of the total 14 constituencies in Ludhiana, has introduced three fresh candidates, retained five old faces while shuffled three candidates and in its bid to ‘balance’ it out besides targeting Dalit vote in the process.

The SAD has changed the candidates for six of these 11 constituencies. While from Payal, which was earlier the constituency of Vidhan Sabha speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal, the party has fielded Isher Singh Meharban. The former minister had quit Congress to join SAD in 2014. He lost to Shiv Ram Kaler in 2012 by a close margin of 204 votes. Meharban, who is a twotime MLA from Koom Kalan, had unsuccessfully contested the last assembly election from Jagraon and lost with a narrow margin of 200 votes from SAD candidate Shiv Ram Kaler. He had also resigned from the post of the state executive member of PPCC in 2013 a protest against party appointments done by then PPCC president Partap Singh Bajwa. He is known to have a strong influence in Ludhiana.

Atwal’s son Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal has been given the ticket from Raikot (SC).

Meanwhile, SAD has fielded Bibi Amarjit Kaur Sahoke from Jagraon not giving the ticket to sitting MLA Shiv Ram Kaler from this constituency. Kaler has been given the ticket from Nihal Singh Wala (SC).

Sahoke has remained as the chairman Zila Parishad from Nihal Singh Wala.

Hira Singh Gabria who lost from Atam Nagar constituency in 2012 by 28,498 votes has been fielded from Ludhiana (South) in these elections.

A well-known industrialist from Ludhiana, Gurmeet Singh Kular, has been given the SAD ticket from Atam Nagar constituency. Gurmeet Singh Kular who is the chairman of United Cycle and Parts Manufacturers Association has been placed as a candidate by SAD at Atam Nagar against firebrand independent MLA Simarjit Singh Bains. The area has considerable number of small industrial units as a result, Kular could be able to make a mark in the area as he himself is a cycle parts manufacturer.

Kular also has a strong backing of Hero Cycles Limited, a cycle giant based in Ludhiana, and also holds a reputation not only among the cycle and bicycle parts manufacturers but also other industrialists of the city.

From Samrala constituency, the SAD has fielded Santa Singh Umaidpur, former chairman of the Punjab Subordinate Service Selection Board who is also contesting from the first time.

From Sahnewal, Khanna, Ludhiana (North), Gill and Dakha constituencies, the SAD has given tickets to old timers Ranjit Singh Talwandi (Khanna), Sharanjit Singh Dhillon (Sahnewal), Ranjit Singh Dhillon (Ludhiana North), Darshan Singh Shivalik (Gill)and Manpreet Ayali (Dakha).

Manpreet, Singla, Jassi vie for Bathinda Congress ticket

Harminder to rebel against any move for ticket to Manpreet

I am willing to contest from Bathinda. But I will act as per the wishes of the party high command: I have nothing to comment on Jassi’s rebel meeting. MANPREET BADAL, Congress leader

BATHINDA: In view of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) fielding its sitting MLA Sarup Chand Singla from Bathinda, the Congress is facing tough postures from the state’s two erstwhile finance ministers Manpreet Badal and Surinder Singla, besides former MLA Harminder Singh Jassi for contesting from the politically charged constituency.

Jassi even exhibited his show of strength on Wednesday against any chance of Manpreet Badal getting the ticket, saying it was he who “stood by Manpreet during the last (2014) Lok Sabha polls and led to the increase of 30,000 votes in favour of Manpreet from the Bathinda urban area, which helped Manpreet get a face- saving defeat against Harsimrat Badal".

The vociferous Jassi roped in Bathinda district Congress committee chief Mohan Lal Jhumba at the meeting attended by 5 of the 9 party councillors and over 500 cadres with many holding ranks in the party at his residence here. Jassi even accused Manpreet of behaving like “the owner of this Bahinda urban constituency”.

Manpreet, whose huge posters emerged in Bathinda in the recent past on festive occasions, told HT that he was willing to contest from Bathinda.

“But I will act as per the wishes of the party high command, and I have nothing to comment on this (Jassi's rebel meeting),” he said. ANOTHER RIVAL

Former finance minister Surinder Singla also sounded bitter against Manpreet, as he said, “The one who could not save his own constituency (Gidderbaha), how could he (Manpreet) win from any other constituency?" Manpreet had remained Gidderbaha MLA in the past, before launching his own People’s Party of Punjab (PPP) and then lost the Gidderbaha seat in 2012 to Amrinder Singh Raja Waring of the Congress.

Singla banks on Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Capt Amarinder Singh who had earlier been quoted for backing Singla for the ticket.

"You see, how Captain Amarinder Singhji said I would be the candidate when he last came here," Singla told HT.

The PPCC president, during his ‘kisan bus yatra’ had last month (October 19) stated while talking to reporters here that he would recommend Singla's name as the candidate from Bathinda (urban).

Singla remained Bathinda (urban) MLA in 2002-07 and served as finance minister in the cabinet of then chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh.

Singla on Thursday told HT that he regretted contesting the 2007 Amritsar Lok Sabha byelection. “I should have stuck to my constituency here (Bathinda),” he said. Banking on the “heavy anti-incumbency factor” against the Akali-BJP regime, the Congress leadership here had got a boost with the PPCC president’s visit last month. PAST PERFORMANCES

Manpreet had got a lead of 30,000 from Bathinda (urban) assembly segment during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls that he lost to Harsimrat Kaur Badal for the Bathinda parliamentary seat.

Jassi had lost the 2007 assembly poll from here by a thin margin of 6,600 votes to the SAD's Sarup Chand Singla. He was then unsuccessfully fielded for the Talwandi Sabo assembly bypoll against the SAD's Jeetmohinder Singh Sidhu in the current AkaliBJP regime in 2014.

SAD workers ‘beat up’ AAP activist in Sangrur village

My father was attacked with sharpedged weapons by SAD supporters. Culprits came in two cars and beat him up brutally. When he fell unconscious, they ran away from the spot. GURDEEP SINGH, vicim’s son

SANGRUR: Aam Aadmi Party’s Dirba circle in-charge was allegedly assaulted by Akali supporters at Khadial village on Thursday.

The incident took place around 12:45 pm in the village when the victim was returning home from his fields.

The victim was identified as Karamjit Singh, 50, who is a panchayat member and associated with the AAP. As he was injured, Singh was admitted to the civil hospital Sangur where he is still under treatment and unfit to make any statement before the police.

His son, Gurdeep Singh, alleged that the Akali goons assaulted his father.He said, “My father was attacked with sharp-edged weapons by SAD supporters. The culprits came in two cars and beat him up brutally. When he fell unconscious, they ran away.”

“It is a condemnable act and we demand strict action against the accused. After Karamjit gives his statement, the culprits should be arrested immediately,” said AAP Dirba candidate Harpal Cheema.“Police are looking into the matter and we have visited the hospital, but he was unfit to say anything. Action will be taken according to law after the statement of the victim,” said, Hardial Dass, Mehlan Chowk police post in-charge.

Wednesday, 16 November 2016

3 states will have to pay for water: Punjab House

Passes resolution against handing over land for SYL canal

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 16

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha today passed a resolution directing the state government to demand charges for riverwaters flowing to the non-riparian states of Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi. It asked the state to seek the Centre’s help to recover the charges.

The resolution also directed the Punjab Government, Council of Ministers and all state employees not to hand over land to any agency for the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, allow any agency to begin work on it, or cooperate with any agency in its construction. The proposal was mooted by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

Edit: Election-time itch

Addressing the House, Badal said all aspects of water, including drainage, embankments, water storage and water power, fell in the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. The state could not part with its waters since almost 105 blocks were water-stressed and groundwater utilisation had been overexploited, he said.

“Punjab needs 52 MAF (million acre feet) water for agriculture, but only 27 per cent is presently being met from riverwaters. The once-fertile land is becoming barren because of low water availability, which will impact the food security of the nation and the state’s economy,” he said.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The Opposition Congress MLAs, who resigned from the Assembly last week in the wake of the SC verdict rendering the Punjab Termination of Agreements Act 2004 invalid, chose to stay away from the session.

However, Balwinder Singh Bains and Simarjit Singh Bains — Independent MLAs from Ludhiana — and Pargat Singh, who quit the Akali Dal recently, were present. The Bains brothers, particularly Simarjit, targeted the Treasury Benches for stealing his private member’s Bill moved in the last session on seeking charges from non-riparian states for water use.

Accusing Badal of failing to defend the rights of the state in the Supreme Court, Simarjit said giving these directions was “just politics at play”.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Mohan Mittal proposed the resolution saying there had been instances where the state had demanded royalty and received it. Patiala, Nabha and Jind paid royalty till 1945-46 for using waters of the Sutlej, he said.

Bassi Pathana MLA Nirmal Singh said Rajasthan owed the state Rs 80,000 crore as royalty for using state waters.

Simarjit Singh Bains, however, put the figure at Rs 15.34 lakh crore. On Bains’ insistence, the names of the three non-riparian states were incorporated in the resolution.

The government was initially contemplating bringing the demand of seeking remuneration from other non-riparian states through a Bill — The Punjab State Ownership, Utilization and Imposition of Cess/Charges on Water Bill, 2016. But being a money Bill, it required a nod from the Punjab Governor, who wouldn’t have given his assent to bringing a money Bill during the emergency session, said sources.

The government then decided to use all provisions envisaged in the draft Bill into a resolution and issue directions to the state for its implementation. Interestingly, the directions issued by the legislature can be set aside only by another legislation.

With the SYL canal issue dominating the state politics for over three decades now, whichever party forms the next government is unlikely to reverse this decision.

Won’t pay a penny: Rajasthan minister

Varinder Singh

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, November 16

Rajasthan has refused to accept Punjab’s demand for royalty on its riverwaters. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha today passed a resolution, seeking Rs 80,000 crore in royalty on Punjab’s riverwaters flowing to Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Irrigation minister Ram Partap said Rajasthan neither owed money to Punjab nor it would accord royalty on riverwaters.

“The Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s resolution is a one-sided affair and inappropriate. Why should Rajasthan pay royalty to Punjab when our state is getting the due share of riverwaters,” Partap told The Tribune over phone.

Rajasthan, he said, was getting water as per its share fixed in the 1981 agreement, wherein there was no provision for royalty to Punjab.

“There is no provision for royalty to Punjab in any accord or Act. The Supreme Court has revoked the 2004 decision of Punjab to annul the riverwaters accord. So, the Punjab Assembly’s resolution is against the spirit of the Act,” the minister said.

Rajasthan is getting 2,200 cusecs of water from Bikaner canal and 11,000 cusecs from Rajasthan feeder; both canals are at Harike headworks. It is getting water at the rate of 2.5 cusecs per 1,000 acres.

Vijay Pal Singh Maan, Executive Engineer, Harike headworks, said: “Rajasthan has no right on Punjab’s riverwaters as per international laws. It is taking water from Punjab free of the cost.”

After stormy session, Bains brothers quit Vidhan Sabha

Claim govt copied their proposal to demand royalty for riverwaters

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News service

Chandigarh, November 16

Stealing the show during the one-day special Vidhan Sabha session today, Awaaz-e-Punjab leaders Simarjit Singh Bains and Balwinder Singh Bains, independent MLAs from Ludhiana, forced the treasury benches to amend the resolution — demanding charges for riverwater from non-riparian states — by adding the word “cost” along with “royalty”. They also made them agree to raising the costs and royalty bill to Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi.

The initial resolution moved by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Mohan Mittal only mentioned taking up the issue of securing royalty from non-riparian states with the Centre.

The Bains brothers later alleged that the ruling party stole their proposal for raising charges for water flowing to the non-riparian states. “I was thrown out of the Assembly during the last session when I wanted a debate on the private member’s resolution on Punjab not claiming royalty from Rajasthan since 1965 for sharing its riverwaters. My resolution was rejected by the Speaker. Now, the same has been adopted by the ruling party,” said Simrajit Bains on the floor of the House.

The MLA brothers contradicted Bassi Pathana MLA Nirmal Singh, who said Rajasthan owed Rs 80,000 crore to the state as royalty for using its waters. Simarjit claimed that Rajasthan owed the state Rs 15.34 lakh crore.

Right from the beginning, the MLAs targeted the government with sporadic reference to the Congress rule for “politicking” on the water dispute. After exchanging heated arguments with Bikram Majitha and then Virsa Singh Valtoha, the duo reached the well of the House to hand over their resignation to the Speaker. The latter refused to accept the resignations, saying they should tender submit it in his office.

The Bains brothers along with Pargat Singh sat on a dharna outside the House and raised slogans against the Speaker.

Talking to the media, the Bains brothers said they were going to submit their resignation at the Speaker’s office. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who was not well, would also send her resignation by mail.

State has no water to sell: Cong

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 16

PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh said the resolution passed by the Assembly was ridiculous, irrational and illogical. He said Punjab had “no surplus water to sell”.

Punjab simply cannot give water to its non-riparian neighbours at any cost, said Amarinder, pointing out that the state was itself facing acute water scarcity that the question of sharing the riverwaters did not arise.

Amarinder lashed out at the Badal government for making no mention of the state’s water scarcity and its consequent inability to share water in its resolution, which was “blatantly in violation” of the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1955.

He alleged that by seeking royalty for water shared with other states w.e.f 1966, the Akalis had laid the foundation for making similar demand for water sharing in the future.

Charanjit Singh Channi, Leader of Opposition, while addressing the media, said the directions to the state government and the employees not to hand over any land to any agency for construction of SYL canal were farce. The resolution passed by the ruling party did not require intervention of the legislative.

Instead of passing a resolution, the Badal-led government should have brought a strong Bill on the issue. “But they do not have the courage as they fear dismissal at hands of the Modi-led Union Government,” alleged Channi

Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, former CM, said the government had been exposed on the issue. She alleged that the Badal government put up a weak case before the Supreme Court.

‘Govt traded waters with Sehajdhari Bill’

Amritsar: PPCC vice-president Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday justified Congress' stance to not attend the special Assembly session on SYL canal. He accused the SAD of selling Punjab's water rights to the BJP in exchange for the SGPC Act Amendment Bill. "The party did this to retain its hold on the Sikh body," he told the media here. He questioned the aim of calling the special Assembly session. "The government relegated the SYL canal on the back burner for 12 years. It brought the matter into prominence to gain mileage in the elections." "An administrative order to denotify the SYL land would have sufficed. What was the need to summon a session? To exploit the issue in the elections can be the only reason," Jakhar said. TNS

Questions if Sukhbir knew about currency ban

Gurdaspur: Jakhar hinted that Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal might have been aware of the government's demonitisation move. He said: "I have no proof, but people have started questioning Sukhbir's absence from Punjab in the days succeeding September 28 when the state government had ordered the evacuation process." tns

SAD’s first list of 69 has 17 new faces

Ruchika M Khanna

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 16

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today released its first list of 69 candidates for the Punjab Assembly polls, fielding 17 new faces and changing the constituencies of six.

The new entrants are Parambans Singh Romana (Faridkot), Parkash Singh Bhatti (Balluana), Gurpreet Singh alias Raju Khanna (Amloh), Baldev Singh Khaira (Phillaur), Paramjit Singh Pamma ( Kapurthala), Hardeeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon (Gidderbaha), Satbir Singh Khatra (Patiala Rural), Kabir Dass (Nabha), Sukhwinder Singh Sukhi (Banga), Jarnail Singh Wahid (Nawanshahr), Gurmeet Singh Kular (Atam Nagar), Ajeet Singh Shant (Mehal Kalan), Seth Satpal Mall (Kartarpur) Santa Singh Umaidpur (Samrala), Ishwar Singh Meharban (Payal), Amarjot Kaur Sahoke (Jagraon) and the son of MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, Harinder Pal Singh (Sanaur). Pamma is brother-in-law of singer Hans Raj Hans.

Former minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur (Kartarpur) and CPS Avinash Chander (Phillaur), whose names had cropped up in a drug scam, have been denied the ticket.

Among other sitting MLAs to have been left out are Rajwinder Kaur (Nihalsinghwala) GS Ghudiana (Balluana) and Deep Malhotra (Faridkot). Former bureaucrat DS Guru too has been dropped.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The party has changed the constituencies of six MLAs. Finance Minister PS Dhindsa has been shifted to Lehragaga from Sunam, SR Kler from Jagraon to Nihalsinghwala, Justice (retd) Nirmal Singh to Chamkaur Sahib from Bassi Pathana, Sarabjit Singh Makkar from Kapurthala to Jalandhar Cantt and Hira Singh Gabria to the Ludhiana South seat from Atam Nagar. Sant Balvir Singh Ghunas has been moved to Bhadaur.

Akali stalwarts and their kin have been accommodated too. RS Talwandi, son of Jagdev Singh Talwandi, gets the ticket from Khanna, former Speaker NS Kahlon has been fielded from Fatehgarh and Hira Singh from Zira.

Sons of other prominent leaders fielded are Vardev Singh Mann, son of the late MP Zora Singh Mann (Guru Harsahai), Dilraj Singh Bhunder, son of MP Balwinder Singh Bhunder (Sardulgarh) and Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, son of Speaker CS Atwal (Raikot).

Please-all exercise

Seats of six MLAs, including Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, changed
Ex-minister Sarwan S Phillaur, CPS Avinash Chander, denied the party ticket
No ticket for liquor baron Deep Malhotra, former bureaucrat DS Guru
SC Sikhs allotted 19 seats, Ramgarhias 2, Hindus 6

Election-time itch

Badal fishing for political martyrdomRattled by the latest Supreme Court advisory to the President, the Punjab Government has denotified the SYL land for the second time in eight months, exercising executive powers. The earlier legislative effort was thwarted by the Governor who did not give consent to the Bill passed. Opposition cooperation, available then, was missing now as the Congress dubbed it “political gimmickry” and stayed away from the Assembly session which passed a resolution against the construction of the SYL Canal and in favour of collecting a cess from the states using river waters passing through Punjab.

Citizens as well as political leaders understand that inter-state disputes cannot be settled through unilateral action. The 2004 water agreement termination Act was passed with fanfare; but Capt Amarinder Singh did not get the expected political mileage in the ensuing election despite a massive show of misplaced boldness. That presumably bold action, in fact, delayed efforts towards an acceptable solution as Punjab was dragged to a needless, costly legal battle. This time fortunately the Governor put his foot down, denying Chief Minister Badal a chance to go on a similar legislative misadventure. Irrational remedies Badal is trying these days are bound to be challenged in court. Punjab has lost thrice in the Supreme Court despite having a strong case on its water rights.

As expected, Haryana plans to move the Supreme Court for SYL Canal construction and an NGO has filed a contempt plea against Badal. It remains to be seen whether the Centre helps Badal gain political martyrdom he is seeking by doing what appeals to sentiment more than reason. Months before the Supreme Court ruling he had been trying to work up passions with disappointing results. It will be clear only after the 2017 elections whether people see him as a protector of Punjab waters or a dated politician trying old tricks. Political parties in Punjab are divided on SYL. At the end, solutions have to be workable and agreeable, in compliance with the established constitutional, judicial and democratic norms, not the ones that pit one state and its people against the other.

State has no water to sell: Cong

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 16

PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh said the resolution passed by the Assembly was ridiculous, irrational and illogical. He said Punjab had “no surplus water to sell”.

He alleged that by seeking royalty for water shared with other states w.e.f 1966, the Akalis had laid the foundation for making similar demand for water sharing in the future.

Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, former CM, said the government had been exposed on the issue. She alleged that the Badal government put up a weak case before the Supreme Court.

‘Govt traded waters with Sehajdhari Bill’

Questions if Sukhbir knew about currency ban

SAD’s Mrar to contest as Independent

Muktsar, November 16

With the announcement of the first list of SAD candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections, rebel voices too have started coming up. Senior SAD leader-cum-former Muktsar MLA Sukhdarshan Singh Mrar has announced to contest as an Independent candidate from Muktsar assembly constituency.

Mrar, who was in Chandigarh today, has even asked his supporters to start preparing for elections.

Speaking over the phone, his son Jaspal Singh Mrar, said, “We oppose the party’s decision of fielding Rozy Barkandi from Muktsar. My father has decided to contest the election as an Independent candidate. He will reach here tomorrow.”

Notably, Mrar was in the race for party’s ticket last time too but the party had fielded Rozy Barkandi from Muktsar. — TNS

Punjab Assembly resolution on SYL meaningless: Hooda

Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 16

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today described the Punjab Assembly’s resolution to demand charges for river waters from Haryana and refusal of land for construction of the canal as meaningless. He said, “The Supreme Court’s verdict on SYL had attained finality now.”

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha today passed a resolution in a special emergency session, directing the state government to take up the issue of recovering the charges for the state’s waters with the Centre. The Punjab Assembly also directed the state government, council of ministers and all state government employees to neither give land to any agency for the construction of the SYL canal nor let any agency do any work on it.

Hooda said no legislature or executive could now stop Haryana from getting its share of water.

He said the SC had given clear directions to the Centre to the canal constructed so that Haryana could get its share. Hooda said now it was for the BJP to decide whether it would like to withdraw support to the Badal government or be a party to the constant contempt of court by the SAD-BJP government.

He reiterated his demand of dismissal of the Badal government and the imposition of the President’s rule in Punjab, adding, the SAD-BJP government had failed to act as per the federal structure of the country.

Reacting to Punjab’s demand for water charges, Hooda said Punjab, instead, should pay for using Haryana’s share of river waters for the past 40 years.

“Does the Government of Punjab pay HP charges for using the waters of the Sutlej?” he questioned.

Hooda accused the Badal government of trying to spread anarchy by unnecessarily flaring people’s sentiments on the issue.

He also castigated the Centre for subjecting people to acute hardships by its faulty implementation of demonetisation plan. He, however, said the Congress welcomed the act to curb black money.

INLD writes to Prez, seeks meeting

Chandigarh: The INLD has sought time for a meeting with President Pranab Mukherjee on the SYL canal issue. A party spokesperson said Leader of Opposition Abhay Chautala had written to the President for giving him time of his convenience so that he and his party MLAs and other leaders could seek his indulgence in the completion of the canal by placing facts before him. Abhay wrote that after a prolonged legal battle, the apex court had given its verdict in Haryana's favour in 2002. However, in 2004, the Punjab Government passed a bill abrogating all water agreements in "defiance of the Supreme Court and in total contempt of the Constitution of India.

US association seeks completion of canal

Chandigarh: The US-based Haryana Association has demanded early construction of the SYL canal so that farmers in the state could get irrigation water for their crops. Niraj Sihag, vice-president of the association, said that a meeting of the body was held in Washington DC where members welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court on the SYL canal and demanded its early implementation. Sihag said that the association would soon meet Indian Ambassador in the US and submit a memorandum to him in this regard. He said the association would take up the issue at all levels and was ready to provide all kinds of help for the state's legitimate right over SYL waters.

Jassi goes hammer and tongs against Manpreet

Says Jassi jaisa koi nahin; helped Manpreet poll 30,000 more votes from Bathinda urban to reduce loss margin

Gurdeep Singh Mann

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, November 16

Creating flutters in the local politics of Bathinda, former Congress MLA Harminder Singh Jassi—a close relative of Sirsa dera head Gurmeet Ram Rahim—today openly lashed out at Congress leader Manpreet Badal.

Speaking during a show of strength—wherein district president (urban) and all the local Congress Municipal councilors were also present—Jassi termed Manpreet a ‘high-flier’ who can stoop to any level to achieve his aim.

“It was I who stood by him (Manpreet Badal) during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and 30,000 votes in his share increased from the Bathinda urban area, which helped Manpreet get a face-saving defeat against his sister-in-law Harsimrat Kaur Badal,” Jassi said, amidst applause by a crowd of around 250 to 350.

He said Manpreet is the kind of person who keeps changing attitude and appearances every now and then. “He keeps shuttling from one party to another. Once in SAD, he formed his own party and then chalked out modalities to join Modi (BJP) and AAP, but settled for Congress,” Jassi added, pointing out that it was he who suggested and guided him to join the Congress.

“But now, he is behaving as if he is the owner of this (Bathinda urban) constituency,” Jassi further said. He stated that he now realises the mistake and has learnt from a Punjabi saying—Botay nu jis drakht de hethan khadao oh useday hi pattay khaanda hai. (A camel would eat the leaves of the plant under which he is tethered with).

Politics is no Shero-Shayari, but a leader has to make a heart-to-heart contact with the people and should remain on tenterhooks to help his voters and well-wishers. “But Manpreet is not like that. If he is so fond of fighting elections, then he must look towards Lambi and Gidderbaha and should not demoralise the people like me who helped him get 30,000 votes,” said an irate Jassi. He said instead of getting appreciation for denting the vote bank of SAD, he will now pay the price for the good work as Manpreet is now eying the Bathinda (urban) constituency.

Jassi also demanded that Bathinda MP Harsimrat Badal should resign on the issue of Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.

Manpreet’s reaction

When Manpreet Badal was asked to react to the statements made by Jassi, he said, “I have nothing to do with Bathinda (urban) constituency. I am doing whatever the party high command is directing me to do. I have not even applied for a ticket for this constituency, but would contest the elections from wherever the high command asks me to.”

Officialspeak

He keeps shuttling from one party to another. Once in SAD, he formed his own party and then chalked out modalities to join Modi (BJP) and AAP, but settled for Congress.— Harminder Singh Jassi, former Congress MLA

Show of strength

Speaking during a show of strength—wherein district president (urban) and all the local Congress Municipal councillors were
also present—Jassi termed Manpreet a ‘high-flier’ who can stoop to any level to achieve his aim
Jassi also demanded that Bathinda MP Harsimrat Badal should resign on
the issue of Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal

Congress to mobilise opinion over SYL issue

Party says Amarinder the real saviour of Punjab waters

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, November 16

The Congress has begun to mobilise public opinion over Captain Amarinder Singh’s resignation over the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue.

On Wednesday, Congress leader from Mansa, Manjit Singh Jhalbutti, along with some youth Congress members held a meeting with residents of Mansa and briefed them about the reason behind the resignation of Captain as the MP from Amritsar over the SYL issue.

He said the water of Punjab would be taken away if the Satluj Yamuna Link canal is constructed. Jhalbutti added that the Badal government took money from Haryana and even acquired land for SYL in Punjab whereas he is now playing politics by just de-notifying the land. Earlier, Badal had forgotten to take this denotification Bill along to get Presidential assent.

It may be mentioned that Congress MP from Amritsar and PPCC chief Captain Amarinder Singh had resigned along with 47 Congress MLAs after the Supreme Court had given its verdict over the SYL maintaining that it should be constructed and declared null the 2004 Water Termination of Agreements Act that was passed by Captain Amarinder Singh’s government in 2004.

Jhalbutti claimed that Captain Amarinder Singh was the real saviour of Punjab waters. He claimed that water is the soul of Punjabis and the state would be destroyed if the SYL is constructed.

17 new faces on SAD first list of 69 candidates

Five sitting MLAs dropped, seats of six candidates changed; seven turncoats rewarded with tickets

CHANDIGARH: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Wednesday declared 69 candidates for the upcoming assembly polls by banking on youth, the Dalit vote bank and introducing 17 new faces in a bid to buck the strong anti-incumbency of its 10 years in power.The SAD, having an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will contest 94 seats of the total 117 in Punjab where elections are due in January-February next year.

Relying on his game-changer, social-engineering and shuffling of the candidates to dodge the public ire, SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has introduced about 25% new faces and shuffled about 30% candidates on different seats. The first SAD list is a mix of caste, religion, subcaste and gender. The party has tried to do a balancing act within different sub-castes among the Scheduled Castes (SCs) too.For an example, the list includes names of nine candidates from Majhabi/Balmiki castes, 10 candidates are from Ravidasia/Ramdasia/ Adharmi castes, six Hindus, two Ramgarhias, one each Gujjar and Kamboj and four women.

All cabinet ministers will contest for their respective as-sembly segments, barring finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, who will be fielded from Lehragaga, leaving Sunam.

Another highlight of the SAD’s battle line-up is the dynasty factor or the “son-rise.” The Badal dynasty that dominates the SAD can now claim to have given rise to some more. The list of 69 candidates has sons of at least four senior party leaders, who are either MPs or have decided to hang their boots.

Punjab assembly speaker Charnjit Singh Atwal has decided to end his innings and ensured a berth for his son, Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal. But, Atwal, a fresh face, was fielded from Raikot and not from his father’s seat Payal (reserved) in Ludhiana.

Harinder Pal Singh Chandumajra, son of MP Prem Singh Chandimajra will contest from Sanour in Patiala and Dilraj Singh Bhunder, son of senior Akali leader Balwinder Singh Bhunder has been retained from Sardulgarh. And son of former MP Rattan Ajnala, Amarpal Singh Bonny, will jump into the fray from Ajanala in Amritsar.At least five sitting MLAs were dropped to blunt antiincumbency, while six candidates have been shuffled.

“We have tried to balance all the factors by giving representation to every section. Young leaders have been given tickets, besides fielding 17 new faces and changing some seats,” Sukhbir told Hindustan Times.

While betting on 17 first-timers, Sukhbir has accommodated party veterans who have opted to contest.

The defeated party stalwarts are also back. Sewa Singh Sekhwan will contest from Qadian, Nirmal Singh Kahlon from Fatehgarh Churian, Sucha Singh Langah from Dera Baba Nanak and Upinderjit Kaur from Sultanpur Lodhi.

While Sukhbir has retained brother-in-law Bikram Singh Majithia at latter’s stronghold, Majitha, the SAD has dropped former minister Sawran Singh Phillaur from the reserved seat of Kartarpur and former chief parliamentary secretary Avinash Chander from the reserved seat of Phillaur.

Young leaders have been given tickets, besides fielding 17 new faces and changing some seats,” Sukhbir told Hindustan Times.

While betting on 17 first-timers, Sukhbir has accommodated party veterans who have opted to contest.

At least five sitting MLAs were dropped to blunt anti-incumbency, while six candidates have been shuffled.

Among others dropped include liquor baron Deep Malhotra (Faridkot and replaced by Sukhbir loyalist Parambans Singh Romana), Gurtej Singh Ghuriana (Balluana) and Rajwinder Kaur (Nihal Singh Wala).

While dropping the “tainted”, the party, in the same stroke, has also tried to woo Ravidasia vote by fielding a close associate of Jalandhar-based Dera Ballan, Seth Satpal Mall, from Kartarpur. From Phillaur, Sukhbir has bet on a new face, Baldev Singh Khaira.

In a surprise move, the party has opted to field a SC candidate Paramjit Singh Pamma, an advocate, from the general category seat of Kapurthala. Pamma is a brother-in-law of Sufi singer and Congress leader Hans Raj Hans.

Like in 2012 elections, the SAD has shuffled seats of few MLAs.

MLA Justice Nirmal Singh (retd) has been shifted to Chamkaur Sahib, the seat represented by Congress Legislature Party leader Charanjit Singh Channi.

Rajwinder Kaur, sitting MLA from Nihal Singh Wala, has been dropped and former bureaucrat SR Kler, has been shifted to her seat from Jagraon.

While dropping a woman, Sukhbir also accommodated another by allotting the Jagraon seat to new face Amarjit Kaur Sahoke. The list has named candidates for 19 out of state’s 34 reserved seats.

Sukhbir’s strategy of fielding Hindu faces from seats where the community has a considerable vote-bank had paid off in the last elections. This time too, there are six Hindus on the list and barring Deep Malhotra, all sitting Hindu MLAs have been retained.

The predominantly Jat Sikhdominated list also has two urban Sikhs.

Akalis play Dalit card in first list

Some prominent faces missing among 18 candidates named for reserved seats on Wednesday

PATIALA: The announcement of tickets for Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidates has clearly indicated that deputy chief minister and party president Sukhbir Badal is eyeing the Dalit votes, a formula that trounced the Congress in the 2012 pollsf the 18 reserved seats for which candidates have been announced, 12 have got new faces, either by dropping some sitting MLAs or swapping some others.

Sukhbir, using his smart social engineering, had sprung surprises in 2012, when the SAD had won 21 seats reserved for Dalits, while the Congress, which traditionally gets SC votes, managed only 10, while the BJP got three of the 34 seats reserved for Dalits in Punjab, which has maximum percentage of Dalit voters. To woo the Ravidas community vote bank, tickets have been allotted to Dera Sach Khand Ballan pointsmen Kabir Das and Seth Satpal Mal, who recently joined the SAD after quitting the Congress.

And, in a bid to repeat the 2012 results, Sukhbir again focused on Dalit seats, where the Congress is looking for candidates. Sukhbir has dropped even Dalit heavyweights such as speaker of the Vidhan Sabha Charanjit Singh Atwal (Payal), former cabinet ministers and sitting MLAs Swaran Singh Phillaur (Kartarpur) and Avnish Chander (Phillaur), both facing the heat of the Bhola drug racket, and Gurtej Singh Ghuriana (Balluana) and Rajwinder Kaur (Nihal Singh Wala).

Only five sitting MLAs have been pitted from their earlier contested seats.