65 independents in Punjab

Of the total 141 candidates in fray for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state, 65 are independents for the May 10 polls.

History of defeat has failed to dissuade independent candidates in Punjab from contesting in Lok Sabha polls.

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Despite only three independents making it to parliament from Punjab since 1977, their number on an average had been close to half of the total number of contestants in successive Lok Sabha elections in the state.

Of the total 141 candidates in fray for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state, 65 are independents for the May 10 polls.

A maximum of 11 independents have jumped into the electoral battle for the Ludhiana Lok Sabha seat where prominent among those in fray are former All India Youth Congress chief Munish Tewari, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) youth chief Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and Lok Bhalai Party chief Balwant Singh Ramoowalia.

While nine independents are in the contest for Ferozepur seat, seven each are in the fray for Patiala and Sangrur seats. A minimum of two independents each are trying their luck for Phillaur (R) and Hoshiarpur seats.

Besides three independents - Kirpal Singh, Atinderpal Singh and Dhian Singh - who recorded impressive wins over their rivals in Lok Sabha elections in 1989, the winning record of independents in other elections had been dismal with none making an entry to parliament.