Sarpanch elected in absentia returns to warm welcome at Fatehgarh Sahib village

Baba Baljinder Singh, who was elected as Sarpanch of Khanpur village while he was on a pilgrimage to Pakistan, returned today. He was accorded a warm welcome by the village residents.

Talking to The Tribune, Baba Baljindra Singh said he never wanted to contest the panchayat elections as he was scheduled to visit pilgrims in Pakistan.

He said he was insisted by villagers to file nomination papers. He said there are many important works to be done; however, his priority would be to create awareness against drug abuse with the cooperation of all people so that the village can be completely drug-free.

He said that drug addicts will be taken to drug de-addiction centres and all the villagers will administer oaths not to consume nor to sell drugs.

It is worth mentioning that Baba Baljinder Singh, retired Superintendent from Punjab Education Board, has been elected Sarpanch of the Khanpur village by defeating Satnam Singh by a margin of 139 votes. Interestingly, he went on a pilgrimage to Gurudwaras in Pakistan after filing his nomination papers.

The youths and elders of the village carried out his election campaign without distributing any kind of money, liquor, drugs, or anything to lure votes.