Punjab services board chief Raman Bahl quits, set to join AAP

Ravi Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Gurdaspur, November 8

The resignation of Raman Bahl as the chairman of the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSB) today has paved the way for him to join the AAP.

Bahl’s resignation was on the cards for the past few weeks. There was widespread speculation that he will be the AAP candidate from Gurdaspur. Bahl is the son of former Cabinet minister Khushal Bahl. His family wields a lot of influence in the area. “This will hold him in good stead when it comes to the crunch,” said a prominent AAP leader.

His supporters are making arrangements for an event here tomorrow where he will be formally joining the party. A prominent Hindu face of the area, Bahl also has an impressive hold over the dominant Jat Sikh vote bank.

Bahl, a law graduate, remained the president of the Gurdaspur Municipal Committee for two five-year terms. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and former IPS officer Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh are expected to be present at the joining event.

The Akalis have already announced the candidature of two-time MLA Gurbachan Singh Babbehali from the Gurdaspur seat. The BJP and Congress are yet to take a final call on their candidates.

The AAP had sounded Bhagel Singh, a progressive sugarcane farmer of the area, about the party’s intentions to field him. However, with Bahl set to join the party, it is almost clear that he will be given the party ticket. Bahl, who reached Gurdaspur today, said he was overwhelmed by the party’s decision.