M A I N   N E W S

Sukhbir files papers for RS seat
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, FEB 10 — Former Union Minister, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal, today filed his nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha seat from Punjab as a nominee of the Shiromani Akali Dal headed by his father, Mr Parkash Singh Badal.

The seat was earlier occupied by Jalandhar-based Editor of Punjabi Daily, Mr Barjinder Singh Hamdard. But he had vacated it recently by not attending the Rajya Sabha session for long. The last date for filing the nomination paper is February 12.

Mr Sukhbir Singh had lost the Faridkot Lok Sabha seat to Mr Jagmeet Brar, a Congress leader in the last election.

What is significant about filing the nomination papers is that Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal was accompanied by Mr Manpreet Badal, his first cousin. They have rarely been seen together in the past though Mr Manpreet Badal, who is a brilliant orator and known for his scholarly approach towards issues bedeviling the state, is also in politics. He represents the Gidderbaha Assembly constituency in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

Besides Mr Manpreet Badal, the others who have proposed Mr Sukhbir Singh’s name on nomination papers are Mr Rattan Singh Ajnala, Raja Narinder Singh, Mr Vir Singh Lopoke, Mr Bhag Singh Mallah, Mr Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Mr Chiranji Lal Garg, Mr Ranjit Singh Balian, Mr Tota Singh, Mr Paramjit Singh Gurharsahai and Mr Gobind Singh Longowal.

Mr Sukhbir Singh’s election to the Rajya Sabha is certain as the SAD-BJP alliance has a comfortable strength in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

Speaking to mediapersons after filing the nomination papers, Mr Sukhbir Singh said earlier he had the experience of the Lok Sabha and now would get some in the Rajya Sabha. It would help to become a complete Parliamentarian and understand the functioning of the Upper House. He said he would raise the issues pertaining to Punjab in the Rajya Sabha.

Talking about the Majitha byelection, Mr Sukhbir Singh said the SAD-BJP’s victory in this election would surpass all previous wins. He was prepared to face any Congress candidate any where in the state, he added.