Anirudh Gupta
Ferozepur, April 19
Amid internal strife and divergence of opinions among various stakeholders of the party, the Congress is in quandary over the selection of a “winnable” candidate from the Ferozepur seat, which the party has not won since 1985.
For the past 34 years, “ego and one-upmanship” among the cadre has prevented the Congress to break the jinx of losing the seat and the scenario does not seem to be encouraging this time.
Cabinet Minister Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, a four-time legislator from Guruharsahai, former state Youth Congress chief Raminder Awla, MP Sher Singh Ghubaya, who recently switched over from the SAD to the Congress, and youth leader Gurbhej Tibbi are in race for the ticket.
Former minister Inderjit Singh Zira, who was earlier claiming his stake from the Khadoor Sahib seat, has also emerged as a contender after the party nominated Jasbir Singh Dimpa from Khadoor Sahib. Talking to The Tribune, Zira claimed to have support of four MLAs and all DCC presidents in this segment.
Even former ministers Hans Raj Jossan and Mohinder Rinwa, chairman (Intellectual Cell) Anish Sidana are also in the queue, besides Raja Amarinder Singh Warring and Bhai Rahul Sidhu are also fancying their chances.
Having joined the party a few weeks ago, Ghubaya has conveyed to the party high command that whether he gets ticket or not, he will contest the polls by all means, adding to the selection complications.
Capt may meet Rahul
Chandigarh: Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh is expected to call on Congress president Rahul Gandhi this weekend to discuss candidates for the Bathinda and Ferozepur seats. The party has so far declared nominees for 11 of the 13 seats. TNS