In touch with local leaders, bypoll candidate’s name to be announced soon, says Sukhbir

After being re-elected as president of the SAD Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday had a quiet visit to the city. During his short stint, he also went to meet the family of Hardeep Singh Kadiyan, a farmer leader, who had recently lost his mother. He also spent some time at the house of Akali leader Maheshinder Singh Grewal.

Sukhbir said though party leaders might be having difference of opinion, the cadre of the party was in high spirits and united. He said since all other parties had come together on one platform against the SAD, the cadre had emerged in a much stronger manner again. Accompanied with Daljit Cheema, the SAD chief was on his way to Badal village when he made a brief halt in the city.

On being asked about the party’s candidate for the Ludhiana West constituency, the elections of which would be declared anytime, Sukhbir said he was in touch with local leaders and the name would be announced in the next few days.

Sources said Maheshinder Singh Grewal, advocate Paropkar Singh Ghuman and Bhupinder Singh Bhinda were shortlisted for the candidature. They alleged that Grewal had politely declined the offer, giving personal reasons for not contesting the bypoll.

Ghuman said he would adhere to the party’s decision.

“Though I have not been contacted by anyone but if the party selects me, I will adhere to the decision”, he said.

When asked since it was too late and candidates of other parties had already done the groundwork, Ghuman said people of Ludhiana know well about parties and candidates. “Cases are going against them and residents are aware about the same. We are not late, we just need the support of the public, even if we start late,” he said.

Pinda is another loyalist of Sukhbir. Meanwhile, many SAD leaders believe that the byelection would cost no less than Rs 1.5 crore-Rs 2 crore as rates of advertisements were too high.

“It’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. Funds are not much expected from the party, hence, everything would depend on candidate who can bear all expenses,”said a party leader.

Ludhiana