Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar to contest Gurdaspur Lok Sabha bypoll

With the party needing a victory to consolidate its emphatic win in state polls six months ago, Amarinder too was keen that Jakhar contest the election.

Punjab Congress chief Sunil Jakhar is set to contest the upcoming Gurdaspur Lok Sabha bypoll, it was revealed on Wednesday.

According to feedback collected from party leaders and workers, Jakhar had emerged as the best bet for the party (HT File)

According to feedback collected from party leaders and workers, Jakhar had emerged as the best bet for the party. With the party needing a victory to consolidate its emphatic win in state polls six months ago, Amarinder too was keen that Jakhar contest the election.

“At this juncture, when the party has failed to fulfil its poll promises from debt waiver to farmers to its wavering stand on the Badal family business interests, the Congress needs to win the seat more than Jakhar,” party sources had been saying.

From right: AAP candidate for Gurdaspur Lok Sabha bypoll Maj Gen Suresh Khajuria (Retd), leader of Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira, and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann addressing a press conference in Jalandhar on Sunday. (HT File )

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday declared Major General Suresh Khajuria (Retd) as its candidate for the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat. The bypoll has been scheduled for October 11 and results will be declared on October 15.