Strange mix: MBA to drug accused, all want a seat

An MBA professional, an architect, engineers, and lawyers are competing with illiterates and alleged drug traders, thieves, brawlers, and electricity stealers for the local municipal corporation seats.

An MBA professional, an architect, engineers, and lawyers are competing with illiterates and alleged drug traders, thieves, brawlers, and electricity stealers for the local municipal corporation seats.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as well as the Congress has fielded tainted candidates; and some independents also carry criminal charges. Of the independents in Ward 30, Anil Kumar is accused of supplying drugs; Harjinder Singh charged with cheating and abetment to suicide; and Suresh Kumar named in a case of fraud.

Of the Akali candidates, Balwant Rai is under trial for disobeying official orders; and Rajinder Singh Mann and Rajinder Singh are booked under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (prevention of atrocities) Act.

From the Congress, Malkit Singh is accused of theft; Jasveer Kaur carries forgery charge; while Mukesh Kumar is named in a case of cheating. Harmesh Kumar, who claims to be social worker, has stated in his affidavit that he is accused of stealing electricity. The party’s Jagtar Singh is accused in two cases of attempt to murder.

Vijay Sharma and his wife Shama Rani, both contesting as Independents, are accused of obstructing the path of a train.

Vijay carries additional charges of trespass and assault. Among the other independents, Lachhman Singh Dhillon is accused of theft and assault.

Lawyers in the fray also include Harpal Singh (SAD); Rajwinder Singh; and Pankaj Arora (BJP). The same parties have also picked illiterates and semi-literates as nominees. sachin.kumar2@hindustantimes.com