Punjab polls: Denied ticket, SAD MLA Avinash Chander quits party, Assembly

Speculations are rife that Chander may return to the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) after reports surfaced of his purported meetings with senior BSP leaders earlier. Chander is being investigated for his alleged role in the Rs 6,000-crore synthetic drugs case. The Akali Dal later named Baldev Singh Khaira as its candidate from Phillaur.

A two-time SAD MLA, Avinash Chander, who won from Kartarpur (reserved) and Phillaur (reserved) assembly segments in a row in 2007 and 2012 assembly elections, respectively, had first contested as BSP candidate in 2002 Kartarpur assembly seat but lost to a Congress candidate.

SAD sources said that Chander was already exploring other prospects. He met with BSP supremo Mayawati in Delhi through former BSP state chief Avtar Singh Karimpuri, claimed BSP sources. Chander could not be reached for comments.