CHANDIGARH: Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party has released its first list of 19 candidates for the upcoming Punjab elections. Candidates range from 25-60, with the party giving equal importance to youngsters and seniors. Names were announced by Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann, who was accompanied by Punjab Affairs in-charge Sanjay Singh, and women's wing chief Baljinder Kaur.
On the list are, lawyer HS Phoolka from Dakha, party's legal wing in-charge Himmat Singh Shergill from Mohali, and youth wing in-charge Harjot Singh Bains from Sahnewal. Arjuna awardee Sajjan Singh Cheema and Gurdit Singh Sekhon, former basketball players, will contest from Sultanpur Lodhi and Faridkot, respectively. Retired Brigadier Raj Kumar, 59, will contest from Balachaur. Tickets have also been given to two former BSP members, two-time MP Mohan Singh Phalianwala and Santokh Singh Salana. Gurvinder Singh Shampura, who has served as SGPC member for 16 years, will contest the Fatehgarh Churian seat.
Kultar Singh Sandhwa, grand-nephew of former President Giani Zail Singh, who runs Bhai Ghanaiya Cancer Roko Seva Society, is the party candidate from Kotkapura. Law graduate Rupinder Kaur Ruby, 27, will contest from Bathinda. Rupinder Kaur Rubi, 27, is the only woman candidate in the list. She will contest from Bathinda Rural constituency. While the party was to announce nominees for 26 seats, it dropped seven names from the first list following objections by volunteers.
