The Hindu : National : Chandumajra returns to Badal fold

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Thursday, Jan 04, 2007
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Chandumajra returns to Badal fold

Staff Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: The former Akali Whip in Parliament, Prem Singh Chandumajra, and the former Minister, Baldev Singh Mann, on Wednesday announced the "unconditional merger" of their factions with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).

The chief of SAD, Parkash Singh Badal, reciprocated by announcing their candidatures from Lehragaga and Dirba constituencies for the Assembly elections in Punjab, where polling is scheduled for February 13.

Mr. Chandumajra, who is considered a staunch loyalist of former president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) G.S. Tohra, and Mr. Mann, who is close to Tamil Nadu Governor S.S. Barnala, were expelled by Mr. Badal in 2004 for alleged anti-party activities.

Mr. Chandumajra's candidature from Lehragaga is worth noting as the constituency has returned Deputy Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal three times consecutively.

The merger was preceded by an appeal from Mr. Badal, who had sought unity of various Akali factions, to ensure the defeat of the Congress. On Wednesday morning, accompanied by senior leaders, Mr. Badal called on Mr. Chandumajra at his residence and was closeted with the other office-bearers of the Longowal faction for almost an hour.

The total number of Akali contestants has now risen to 64, after Mr. Badal released a list of 62 candidates last week. As per the seat-sharing formula, the SAD has left 22 seats to the BJP. Polling is to be held for the 117-member House.

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