Kairon lost local connect, and seat too

Our Correspondent

Tarn Taran, March 12

The autocratic style of functioning and a strong anti-incumbency were the major reasons behind the defeat of Akali stalwart Adaish Partap Singh Kairon from Patti. Harminder Singh Gill, who won the election with ease, is known for his strong connect with the people.

In the 2012 elections, too, Kairon managed to win the seat with a thin margin of 59 votes. Locals believe that his support base had started dwindling at that time, but he failed to set things right.

There have been allegations of registration of fake cases and indulgence in drug trade against local Akali leaders, but nothing was done to prevent it. Besides, locals say he was hardly seen at social gatherings and important occasions in the constituency and mostly remained inaccessible to the commoners.