The scrutiny of nomination forms for the elections brought out further fissures in the local Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) unit into the open on Thursday. First, there was a protest against official party candidate by a son of party leader and real estate baron Kulwant Singh in ward number 25.
In another setback, a party candidate’s nomination was rejected in ward number 49, where another son of Kulwant is contesting as an independent.
Sarabjeet Singh, a son of Kulwant, protested against SAD candidate from ward numbr 25, Gurjeet Singh, alleging that the latter had concealed his criminal background while filing nomination. “SAD candidate Gurjeet Singh has concealed information in his affidavit. We have filed a complaint with the election commission,” Sarabjeet told HT. In ward number 49, the nomination form of SAD candidate Gurnam Bindra Singh was rejected for want of signature of proposer Harjit Kaur. Kulwant’s other son Manpreet Singh and he himself are contesting from the ward.
The father-son duo had been offered a SAD ticket from ward numbers 25 and 49, respectively, which had been rebuffed. There was confusion over whether the papers of Congress candidate from ward number 49, Rajinder Singh, were complete. However, the papers were later found in order.
On whether there had been any ‘arrangement’ with the SAD candidate, Kulwant Singh said, “The allegation is baseless. The candidature was cancelled because of a silly mistake.”
{{/usCountry}}On whether there had been any ‘arrangement’ with the SAD candidate, Kulwant Singh said, “The allegation is baseless. The candidature was cancelled because of a silly mistake.”
{{/usCountry}}SAD leader Balwant Singh Ramoowalia said, “We trust our candidate completely.”
Meanwhile, party workers continue to be miffed that the senior leadership has so far not taken any action against those who have turned against the party and are contesting independently. “We are fighting a war within,” said a party worker.
SAD observer Mahesh Inder Grewal said, “Indiscipline will not be tolerated. We are waiting for nominations to be withdrawn before we take the required action against those, who have deserted the party. We do not need such people.” jyotsna@hindustantimes.com