Chandigarh: Ignoring coaxing and cajoling by
the party leadership, Congress rebels in some places in Punjab
have become achiles heel for the party eyeing to return to
power in the January 30 assembly poll.
Despite attempts by leaders like Oscar Fernandes and PCC
President Amarinder Singh to get them out of the fray, the
rebels in a few pockets have decided to stay put as on Monday was
the last date of withdrawal of candidature.
Among those in the fray as Independents after being
denied tickets by Congress are former minister Upinder Sharma
from Kotkapura, Amarjit Singh Brar from Baghapurana and former
MLA Vijay Sathi from Moga and Babu Singh from Nihal Singh Wala
as none of them withdrew their nomination papers on the last
day.
Amarinder Singh had earlier warned the rebels to withdraw
from the contest and threatened disciplinary action against
them.
Upinder Sharma said he had already resigned from the
primary membership of the party.
Senior leaders from the state Ravinder Babbal from
Ferozepur and Ashok Sharma from Pathankot were also in the
race as Independents.
However, some Congress leaders paid heed to their party
leaders including Ranninder Singh, and Kewal Singh, former MP,
withdrew their nomination papers from Dharamkot assembly
constituency in Moga.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 00:36