Punjab: Congress placates 15 rebels, 10 still in fray

Official Congress nominee from Budhlada Ranjit Kaur Bhatti was facing rebellion from Satpal Singh Mulewal, who opted out Saturday. Similarly, Dr Mohinder Rinwa, who rebelled against Fazilka candidate Sher Singh Ghubaya, has also opted out.

Ranjit Singh Chajjalwadi, who was in fray against Santokh Singh Bhalaipur in Baba Bakala, has also withdrawn. Bhupinder Singh Ghuman is no more in fight from Dasuya and Bhupinder Singh Gora has withdrawn from Maur in favour of Harminder Jassi.

However, there are several other rebels who are still in the fray. These include Ashok Sharma from Pathankot and Naresh Puri from Sujanpur. Puri had secured 27,000 votes in 2012 when he contested as a rebel. Sharma, who contested as an Independent in 2012, had polled more than 20,000 votes.

Former MLA Gurbinder Atwal, fielded by party earlier from Bholath against his wishes, has filed his nomination from Nakodar. He has not budged yet. Nimisha Mehta, a strong contender from Garhshankar and a protégé of CLP leader Charanjit Singh Channi, is in fray against party nominee Luv Kumar Goldy. Sitting MLA Tarlochan Singh Soondh, who hurled a shoe at Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, was denied the ticket and is contesting from Banga.

Kaushal Kumar Bouk is persisting in Fazilka. Amarjit Singh Gharu, a Dalit leader from Ferozepur (rural), too has not withdrawn.