No ticket to Henry Jr, Cong workers quit

Jalandhar: Supporters of former Congress minister Avtar Henry on Thursday showed disappointment against the party and offered resignation as the party declared former Jalandhar Improvement Trust chairman Tajinder Bittu as candidate from Jalandhar North. Supporters gathered outside the Henry’s office, offering support to his son Bawa Henry. Henry’s ticket was deleted recently. TNS

AAP seeks action against ‘goonda tax’   

Chandigarh: AAP on Thursday sought EC’s intervention against an alleged political mafia, which has been collecting black money as extortion money or protection money or ‘goonda tax’ for years in the name of royalty on illegally mined sand and gravel in mining areas, especially in Anandpur Sahib and Pathankot districts. The black money earned from the illegal tax was flowing into the election campaign, the complaint claimed. TNS

SAD nominee gets notice for code violation   

Faridkot: Returning Officer (RO)-cum-Kotkapura SDM on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to SAD candidate and sitting MLA Mantar Singh Brar for allegedly violating the model code of conduct. It is alleged that Brar entered the RO’s office with a procession which is against the model code of conduct guidelines. The RO has also written to the Faridkot SSP to take necessary action against a DSP for not deterring the violators from entering the RO office. TNS

BKU faction backs AAP   

Patiala: The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Rajewal) on Thursday supported AAP. Union president Balbir Singh Rajewal along with his supporters met Arvind Kejriwal and pledged to support him in the Assembly elections. He alleged both SAD-BJP alliance and Congress had exploited farmers for decades and AAP was their only hope.  TNS

Akali workers join Congress

Chandigarh: Several Akali Dal leaders and workers from Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts joined the Congress on Thursday. Around 24 Akalis from the Majitha Assembly segment along with 12 from Sri Hargobindpur (Gurdaspur) and one from Jandiala Guru (Amritsar) were welcomed into the Congress fold by state party president Captain Amarinder Singh. TNS

Sukhbir expels Ferozepur leader 

Chandigarh: SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday expelled party leader from Fezorepur and former chairman of Bankfico Baldev Singh Mamuzoya from the party for alleged anti-party activities. It is learnt that Akali Dal candidate from Guruharsahai Vardev Singh Mann had complained to the Deputy CM that the leader was indulging in anti-party activities. The issue was discussed and a statement was released from party head office by SAD secretary Daljit Singh Cheema, saying that Mamuzoya had been expelled. TNS

Sekhri joins Chhotepur’s APP 

Batala: Inder Sekhri, brother of sitting Batala Congress MLA Ashwani Sekhri, joined the SS Chhotepur-led APP on Thursday. His candidature from the Batala seat was announced by Chhotepur. He will be engaged in a battle against his brother, who is seeking a fourth term, Gurpreet Singh Waraich of AAP and LS Lodhinangal of SAD.  TNS

Cong in a fix over 11 seats 

Chandigarh: As the Congress withheld the names of candidates for 17 seats, party vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday held a meeting of senior leaders, excluding Capt Amarinder Singh, Ambika Soni and Charanjit Singh Channi, to discuss 11 contentious seats, including Garshankar, Ropar and Jalandhar. It is learnt after seeking comments from the PPCC chief and the CLP leader, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul will take the final call. While the three seats of Jalandhar Cantt, Nakodar and Shahkot are linked to decision on Pargat Singh, Amritsar South, Amtirsar North and Amritsar East are linked to the joining of Navjot Singh Sidhu. There are strong differences among the leaders on Garshankar and Ropar seats as well.TNS

Cong nominee threatening workers: BJP 

Anandpur Sahib: Ropar district BJP president Yogesh Sood has accused Congress nominee from Anandpur Sahib Rana KP Singh of issuing threats to BJP workers and inciting his supporters to physically assault them. Sood said the BJP would lodge a complaint with the EC.  TNS