Sukhbir Singh Badal for Ferozepur, wife named for Bathinda

Chandigarh: The Shiromani Akali Dal on Tuesday announced party president Sukhbir Singh Badal as its Lok Sabha candidate from Ferozepur and Harsimrat Kaur Badal from Bathinda. SAD patron Parkash Singh Badal announced the candidates on Tuesday morning.

In a statement released at the party headquarters, party’s senior vice-president and spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said that there was a strong demand by in-charges of various Assembly constituencies, including associate organisations and party workers falling under the LS constituency, seeking the SAD president to contest from Firozpur constituency.

He said that besides respecting the sentiments of party leaders and workers, Badal Sahib took personal opinion of senior leadership and core committee members on this matter as well. The core committee members maintained that party president himself being in poll fray would not only send a positive message to the rank and file, but also improve prospects of the party in the polls. Dr Cheema added that after taking a final opinion of leaders and workers of both alliance partners of Firozpur LS constituency on Monday night, Badal sahib announced Sukhbir Singh Badal as SAD candidate for Firozpur seat.

Later, Mr Badal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying Congress president Rahul Gandhi is still inexperienced in politics.