Punjab: Relatives in fray

Constituencies in Punjab and Haryana are set to witness 'prestige contests' with close relatives of political personalities in the fray.

Several constituencies in Punjab and Haryana are set to witness 'prestige contests' with close relatives of several key political personalities, including that of present and former Chief Ministers in the fray for the Lok Sabha polls.

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Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh's wife Praneet Kaur, his predecessor Parkash Singh Badal's son Sukhbir Singh Badal, Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala's elder son Ajay Singh and his predecessor Bansi Lal's son Surender Singh were among relatives of at least six top leaders of the two states who would try their luck in the May 10 polls.

All the four - Praneet Kaur, Sukhbir Singh Badal, Ajay Singh Chautala and Surender Singh are entering into the fray from their traditional seats of Patiala, Faridkot and Bhiwani respectively.

While Kaur, Sukhbir and Ajay are seeking re-election, Bansi Lal's son Surender singh who finished third from Bhiwani in the 1999 hustings is vying to make entry to the parliament from the same constituency contesting against his arch rival Ajay Singh Chautala.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD-Badal) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha member Sukhbir Singh Badal had contested the 1999 polls unsuccessfully losing by a margin of just 5,046 votes against Congress candidate and firebrand leader Jagmeet Singh Brar.