First-timer Debi beats party veteran for ticket

Kuldip Bhatia

Ludhiana, January 15

For a new entrant like Gurdev Sharma Debi, beating three-time BJP MLA Sat Pal Gosain for the party ticket from Ludhiana Central is no mean achievement. However, Debi says Gosain, a close relative, is like a father-figure to him and there was no question of beating anybody to secure the party nomination. “The party has chosen me for a specific task and I will perform it with my full capability,” he says.

Debi, a businessman running an industrial paints units at Focal Point here, has been closely associated with the party for the past 25 years without having contested any election at any level so far. He was nominated convener of the Heavy Industry Cell of the Punjab BJP in 2010 and the party decided to utilise his fund-raising ability by making him the treasurer of the state unit in 2012, a post that he still holds.

Married in 1985, Debi has two sons and a daughter. His sons are settled abroad and daughter is married. For some time, he dabbled in liquor trade but as of now, he is concentrating on his business.

A god-fearing man, Debi says a number of development works have been carried out in the constituency but a lot needed to be done. “The development of the area and bringing the industry closer to the party will be among my top priorities,” he said.

Know Your Candidate
Gudev Sharma Debi (56)
Party : BJP
Qualification : Undergraduate
Constituency : Ludhiana Central
Total votes : 1,47,163
Male : 79,038
Female : 68,123
Transgenders : 2

Political background : Associated with the BJP since 1992. Holds the post of the treasurer of the state unit of the party for the past four years.

Focus : All round development of constituency with special focus on trade and industry.

(EOM)