SAD-BJP combine gains in Punjab
In a reverse of the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, the SAD-BJP combine in Punjab registered a comprehensive victory over the Congress-left alliance by winning 11 out of 13 seats.
In a reverse of the 1999 Lok Sabha elections, the SAD-BJP combine in Punjab registered a comprehensive victory over the Congress-left alliance by winning 11 out of 13 Lok Sabha seats.
While the Shiromani Akali Dal candidates registered win on seven seats, its ally Bhartiya Janata Party won all the three seats it contested.
Party candidate Sharanjit Singh Dhillion defeated his Congress rival in the Ludhiana Parliamentary seat.
Former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal-led SAD wrested five seats -- three from INC and one each from SAD (Mann) and CPI and the party candidates retained Tarn Taran and Ferozepur seats.
However, on the Tarn Taran seat Tarlochan Singh Tur, a sitting MP in the dissolved house, expelled from the SAD for alleged anti-party activities failed to retain seat. The seat was won by sitting MLA Dr Rattan Singh Ajnala of the SAD.
The seats wrested by SAD were Bathinda, Phillaur (R), Ropar (R), Faridkot and Sangrur.
SAD wrested Bathinda from CPI after its woman candidate Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, wife of a sitting Punjab and Haryana High Court judge, defeated Khushal Chaman Bhaura widow of late CPI MP Bhan Singh Bhaura.