Revealing its cards to take on the popular Bhagwant Mann, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday decided to field former Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa from Sangrur for the Lok Sabha election
Parminder Dhindsa, sitting MLA from Lehragaga in Sangrur and former finance minister, had last month apprised the party leadership of not desiring to contest the Lok Sabha polls as he was a sitting legislator. He, however, had said he would abide by the party's decision.
His father, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, a Rajya Sabha MP and a former Union minister, had reportedly asked him not to contest the polls and had also said that he would not campaign for him if he decided to fight elections.
Veteran Akali leader Sukhdev Dhindsa had last year resigned from the SAD's core committee and as its secretary general citing health reasons. Ever since he quit the posts, Sukhdev Dhindsa had been staying away from the party's activities.
It was Sukhdev Dhindsa who had reportedly sought the resignation of the then Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, holding him responsible for granting pardon to Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh in 2015 in a blasphemy case of 2007.
The SAD fielded Parminder Dhindsa, a five-time lawmaker, from the seat as it wanted to put up a strong face from Sangrur.
Sangrur is currently represented in the Lok Sabha by Aam Aadmi Party Punjab chief Bhagwant Mann, who is seeking re-election from the seat.
The Congress is yet to announce its candidate for the seat.
Parminder Dhindsa began his political career by contesting Sunam by-election in 2000. Thereafter, he won from Sunam seat in 2002, 2007 and 2012 and from Lehragaga in 2017 assembly polls. At present, he is holding the post of party's general secretary.
After the ticket was announced, SAD Member Parliament (MP) Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa refuted rumours of differences with his son MLA Parminder Singh Dhindsa. Though the senior Dhindsa wished his son well, but said he would not be campaigning for him, citing his health.
He said although he had advised his son against contesting, Parminder has decided to contest elections after giving it some thought. "Being the father, my best wishes and blessings will always be with him. Parminder has been voted MLA five times, and has served as a minister for Punjab for 10 years. He has enough political experience to take his own decisions,” Dhindsa added.
The senior Dhindsa, who is believed to be having differences with the Akali leadership, particularly party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, said he fell twice recently due to cervical problems and his left arm also does not work. "Everyone knows that I have been down with health problems. People should not waste much time drawing their own interpretations,” he said.
With the announcement of his candidature from the Sangrur seat, the Akali Dal has so far fielded nominees from six seats.
The SAD has fielded sitting MP Prem Singh Chandumajra from Anandpur Sahib, former minister Surjit Singh Rakhra from Patiala seat, former IAS officer Darbara Singh Guru from Fatehgarh Sahib (reserve), former SGPC chief Bibi Jagir Kaur from Khadoor Sahib and former deputy speaker of Lok Sabha Charanjit Singh Atwal from Jalandhar (reserve) seat.
Of total 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab, the Akali Dal will contest on 10 while its ally BJP will fight on three seats as per seat sharing arrangements.