Putting an end to speculations swirling around the electoral strategy, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) revealed its second list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on Monday. Among the notable announcements was the confirmation that Harsimrat Kaur Badal, a prominent figure in Punjab politics, will be contesting from the Bathinda constituency, a stronghold of the Badal family.
The lineup includes Mohinder Singh Kaypee for Jalandhar, Sohan Singh Thandal for Hoshiarpur, Nardev Singh Bobby Mann for Ferozepur, Ranjit Singh Dhillon for Ludhiana, and Hardeep Singh Saini Buttrela for Chandigarh.
With this announcement, the SAD has now declared candidates for 12 out of 13 parliamentary constituencies in Punjab, leaving only Khadoor Sahib pending, according to party sources.
SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, addressing the press in Jalandhar, expressed confidence in the newly announced candidates, emphasizing his belief that they would bring honor to the party. Badal’s sentiments were echoed on social media as he shared his best wishes for the contenders.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, 57, a familiar face in Bathinda’s political landscape and the incumbent MP, will be seeking re-election for the fourth consecutive term. Having won the seat in 2009, 2014, and 2019, she has maintained a strong presence in the region. Harsimrat’s decision to continue representing Bathinda comes after widespread rumors suggesting a potential shift to Ferozepur.
In response to her nomination, Harsimrat expressed gratitude for the support she has received from the constituents over the years, reaffirming her commitment to serving the people of Bathinda.
Meanwhile, Ranjit Singh Dhillon, the SAD Ludhiana district president, will be making his debut in the Lok Sabha elections, contesting from Ludhiana against formidable opponents from other parties.
Nardev Singh Bobby Mann’s selection for Ferozepur raised eyebrows as he enters the electoral arena for the first time, succeeding his father, Zora Singh Mann, a three-time SAD MP from the constituency. Mann’s candidacy comes amidst ongoing controversies surrounding his family’s private school.
In Chandigarh, Hardeep Singh Saini Buttrela, a seasoned politician and incumbent councillor, will be representing the SAD, aiming to address the city’s concerns.
The addition of Mohinder Singh Kaypee, a former Congress president, to the SAD’s roster further emphasizes the party’s efforts to broaden its appeal. Kaypee’s decision to join SAD stemmed from his dissatisfaction with the Congress leadership, setting the stage for a competitive race in Jalandhar.
As Punjab gears up for the final phase of polling on June 1, the political landscape promises to be fiercely contested, with each candidate vying for the electorate’s support to secure victory.