Six file papers for Adampur

Dheerowal, along with half a dozen ministers in the Akali-BJP government, and about 2,000 vehicles (as claimed by the Akali ministers) which followed in the form of a convoy from Bhogpur, reached Jalandhar this afternoon.

Flanked by Akali ministers, and amidst slogan shouting by the supporters, Dheerowal proceeded to file his papers at the office of the returning officer.

A senior BJP minister, who was also accompanying, bitterly complained to the returning officer about the small room which lacked space to accommodate a fleet of ministers. He complained to the returning officer that she should have known that so many ministers were accompanying the candidate and should have made arrangements accordingly.

RO Sarojani Gautam reportedly told him that she, as returning officer, was not supposed to look after any such arrangements.

Even as some junior Akali leaders occupied a few chairs in the office of the returning office, many ministers remained standing.

When contacted, Sarojini Gautam told ENS that while she received the nomination papers, she was not supposed to act as a protocol officer. “Otherwise, I do extend due regard and reception to the ministers. But election time is different”.

Later, the Akali and BJP minsters along with Dheerowal addressed a stormy press briefing where Akali minster had a verbal clash with some media persons, while replying to questions on the performance of the Akali -BJP government.

Those present at the press conference with Dheerowal included BJP minsters Manoranjan Kalia and Madan Mohan Mittal and Akali ministers – Jagir Kaur, Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Ajit Singh Kohar, M.I.S. Grewal and Tota Singh. Akali Dal MP Amrik Singh Aliwal and Bahujan Samaj Morcha MP, an alliance partner of Akalis, Satnam Singh Kainth were also present.

Besides Dheerowal and Vidwant Kaur, others who submitted their nominations today were BSP (Ambedkar) general secretary Vijay Kumar Hans, Gurdial Singh and Harnam Singh, both covering candidates of Dhirowal, and Pawan Kumar Tinoo, the BSP covering candidate.

Kamaljit Singh Lalli of the Congress and his brother Sukhjinder Singh as his dummy had filed their nominations on November 2, Wariam Singh Rajput was the lone independent to file nomination on November 3.