Now, Congress sub-panel to discuss ‘contentious’ seats for Punjab polls

Chandigarh, January 22

Ahead of announcing the remaining 31 candidates, the Congress high command is learnt to have constituted a three-member sub-committee compromising KC Venugopal, Ambika Soni and Ajay Maken after differences surfaced among screening committee members over the choice of candidates.

CM Charanjit Singh Channi, PCC chief Navjot Sidhu and party leader Sunil Jakhar reportedly have differences over the candidates. A similar situation was witnessed during the selection of 86 candidates announced earlier.

The important seats that are yet to be decided include Banga, Nawanshahr, Samrala, Sahnewal, Gill, Jagraon, Patiala Urban, Attari, Fazilka and Jalalabad.

The seats where the screening panel has shortlisted more than one name would be discussed by the sub-committee.

Sources said differences of opinion emerged on the Bhoa seat, with CM Channi batting for MLA Joginder Bhoa and Jakhar demanding a ticket for Pathankot district chief Sanjeev Bains. Sidhu is learnt be in favour of fielding a new face from the seat.

Differences of opinion were also witnessed during the discussion on allotment of Bholath ticket to Sukhpal Khaira, who is facing an ED case. Sidhu is learnt to have asserted that ticket be given to candidates who are not tainted. —