Cong, BJP headed for close contest

Jaswant Shetra

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 17

A close competition is being witnessed between the Congress and the BJP for the coming byelection to Ward Number 17 of the Jagraon Municipal Council. Whereas the BJP has fielded Ashwani Dhir, son of former MC President Baldev Krishan Dhir, the Congress has showed trust in its old guard, Master Madan Lal Bansal.

The seat fell vacant after the death of BJP leader Baldev Krishan Dhir some time back. The byelection would be held along with the Ludhiana MC elections scheduled for February 24.

Ashwani is an advocate. Both candidates are trying every possible step to win the byelection. The scene is hotting up after a low-profile campaigning.

Bansal had contested the MC elections against Baldev Krishan around three years ago. He had lost to Dhir by a small margin.

While Ashwani is relying on the sympathy of voters after the untimely death of his father, Bansal is expecting votes in the name of development of the ward as the Congress is the ruling party in MC House.

Apart from the BJP leaders, Ashwani is also backed by the SAD leadership of Jagraon as Baldev Krishan enjoyed cordial relations with most leaders of the Akali Dal.

Madan Lal Bansal has the backing of Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu and former Minister Malkiat Singh Dakha. The byelection is a matter of pride for both parties.