Rift in Cong over choice of nominees

Chandigarh, February 3

As the nominations for the forthcoming civic body polls came to an end today, differences continue to persist among Congress leaders in Batala, Pathankot, Moga and some other places over the choice of candidates.

As a result, nominations have been filed as Independent candidates in the above places. In Batala, former patry MLA Ashwani Sekhri is learnt to have objected to the names of the candidates finalised by the party. A senior leader said there was objection to the names recommended by a cabinet minister.

In Pathankot, efforts by party leaders to sink differences among different factions failed as those opposed to party candidates made their candidates file nomination as Independent candidates. Similar reports emerged from Moga.

“The BJP has been trying to create the urban-rural divide, but it will not work in case of Punjab. The BJP is out to damage Punjab, be it farm laws or withholding the CCL,” said PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar. — TNS

Show of strength in Abohar

Abohar: Around 50 Congress candidates filed nominations for the Abohar Municipal Corporation election with the subdivisional administrative complex ground filled to its capacity amid a show of strength by the party. The Congress has nominated 13 former councillors or their spouses. OC