Chandigarh, January 21
Acting tough on dissidents, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Capt Amarinder Singh today expelled 11 rebels from primary membership of the party.

The expelled leaders include former Minister Harbans Lal of Sirhind and former MLAs Ravinder Babbal (Ferozepur), Upender Sharma (Kotkapura) and Gurbir Singh Sandhu (Jalalabad).

Other expelled leaders are Ashok Sharma (Pathankot), Sucha Singh Chhotepur (Gurdaspur), Baljit Singh Bhatti (Baba Bakala), Sukhjinder Singh Lali Majithia (Majitha), Ram Kishen Kataria (Balachaur), Hari Pal (Chamkaur Sahib), Bhalinder Singh (former district president of Ludhaina-Rural) and Jagmohan Sharma (former district president of Ludhiana-Urban).

Amarinder also warned all leaders working against the party’s official candidates in various constituencies. "The activities of all dissidents are being watched closely by the party’s poll observers. They should immediately join the campaign or get ready to face action," he said.

MLA Ashok Sharma is contesting as an Independent against Raman Bhalla, the official Congress candidate there, after he was denied the party ticket. Former minister Sucha Singh Chotepur was also shown the door today. He was contesting as an Independent from Quadian against the party’s official candidate Charanjit Kaur Bajwa, who is the wife of Partap Singh Bajwa. Another leader who has been expelled is Baljit Singh Bhatti. A Congress spokesman said Bhatti was opposing Ranjit Singh Chajjalwadi, the party’ candidate in Baba Bakala.

Earlier in the day, Amarinder and Congress' Punjab affairs in-charge Gulchain Singh Charak met party candidates from Amritsar and disgruntled leaders of the area after the PM's rally in the city.