Sukhbir from Fatehgarh Sahib also?

Surinder Bhardwaj

Fatehgarh Sahib, January 11

Is Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal interested to contest from Fatehgarh Sahib apart from Jalalabad? The question gained currency following a remark by Sukhbir during his visit to the town last evening.

The SAD president, addressing party activists, said, “Fatehgarh Sahib edda wadhia halka hai, kai baar mera jee karda ethon hi chon lar lawan. Ki lor enni dur jaan di? Main thonu sahi dasaan ethe Akali Dal di 80 per cent vote hai ate dujian partian di koi 20% hovegi (Fatehgarh Sahib is such a good constituency that I wish to contest from here sometimes. What’s the need of contesting from a far-away segment? The Akali Dal has 80 per cent vote share here, while the rest of the parties 20 per cent).”

A speculation is rife in the party circles that Sukhbir may also contest from here following SAD MP Sher Singh Ghubaya’s son joining the Congress. Ghubaya has a considerable following in Jalalabad, from where Sukhbir had been elected a number of times. When asked whether or not he was serious on contesting from another seat as well, he clarified, “I will contest from there (Jalalabad) alone.” But his remark declaring Fatehgarh Sahib a safe bet for the SAD have set tongues wagging.

AAP’s Jalalabad candidate Bhagwant Mann, who was here to canvass for his party nominee yesterday, said he knew that Sukhbir would contest from Fatehgarh Sahib. “Sukhbir will file papers five minutes before the deadline. I am keeping a watch. I will also file the nomination online from Fatehgarh Sahib at the same time,” Mann said.