Most first-timers make it to Assembly

Vishav Bharti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 11

From a leader of the Unemployed Lineman Union to a PhD student; and a 25-year-old IITian to a 27-year-old engineer, the 12th state Assembly will witness many unusual faces.

At more than 40 per cent, the Assembly will see the maximum first-time MLAs (a total of 48).

In the party wise break-up, the maximum first timers (24) have come from the Congress. It is followed by Aam Aadmi Party. Out of the party’s total 20 MLAs, 19 are first timers. Sukhpal Singh Khaira is the only AAP MLA who was earlier elected on the Congress ticket in 2007.

From SAD, four MLAs have been elected for the first time. They are Kanwarjit Singh from Muktsar, Sukhwinder Kumar from Banga, Baldev Singh Khaira from Phillaur, Dilraj Singh Bhundar from Sardulgarh.

From the BJP, only Arun Narang from Abohar is a first-time MLA.

Rupinder Kaur Ruby, Bathinda Urban

A research scholar: A postgraduate in law, 28-year-old Rupinder Kaur Ruby was doing her PhD when she was offered AAP ticket from Bathinda Rural. On the elections, she said these felt like appearing in an annual examination.

Amit Vij, Pathankot

From corporate to politics: On joining politics, Amit Vij quit as vice-president (corporate affairs), Reliance Industries Limited. His father Anil Vij was the president of Pathankot Congress Committee.

Gurmeet Singh, Barnala

Engineer to youth leader: Gurmeet (27) was active in the anti-corruption movement in 2011. When AAP was formed later, he was told to organise the youth in Punjab. By training, he is an engineer. 

Davinder Singh Ghubaya, Fazilka

The youngest MLA: Davinder Singh Ghubaya is an MLA at just 25. He inherited politics from his father, the MP from Ferozepur. He joined the Congress a month before the elections. Before that, he had just finished his BTech from IIT-Roorkee.

Primal Singh Dhaula, Bhadaur

Face of unemployment: AAP’s Primal Singh Dhaula (36), who has won by more than 20,000 votes from Bhadaur, was the face of unemployment in the state. He was the president of the Unemployed Linemen Union. For almost 15 years before joining politics, he could be seen raising slogans and getting beaten up by the police during protests.

Dalvir Singh Goldy, Dhuri

From PU to Assembly: Around a decade ago, Dalvir Singh Goldy was known for giving fiery speeches at Panjab University Student Council (PUSC) elections. He was elected president of PUSC in 2006. Later, he joined NSUI and was given Congress ticket from Dhuri.