With CM by his side, Congress candidate Ladi files papers

THE CLASS10 PASS LEADER HAS DECLARED ASSETS OF ₹13.4 CRORE; HE HAS FIVE CARS AND EIGHT TRACTORS

Amid the controversy over a case of illegal sand mining registered against Congress’ Shahkot bypoll candidate Hardev Singh Ladi Sherowalia, chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh and party state president Sunil Jakhar accompanied him for the filing of his nomination papers on Thursday. Ladi, who had lost the 2017 elections to former MLA Ajit Singh Kohar, whose death has necessitated the polls, is contesting for the second time. Thursday was the last day to file papers, with 19 completing the process.

At a rally, the CM dubbed the entire controversy as the Opposition’s creation.

Taking a dig at SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal’s demand for Ladi’s arrest, the chief minister said, “Does he (Sukhbir) represent the EC.”

“I express gratitude to the CM Captain Amarinder who has reposed faith in me despite the ongoing malicious campaign,” Ladi said. Five Congress leaders, also aspirants for the ticket from Shahkot, did not attend the rally.

The CM refuted any reports of dissidence . “If somebody has not come to the rally, it does not mean that he is going to oppose the candidate. The Congress is united.”

19 IN FRAY; NAMESAKES ALSO FILE PAPERS

Naib Singh, 55, from Rupewal village in Shahkot, seen as a dummy candidate, was among the 19 who have filed papers. Malkit Singh, Balwant Singh, Kashmir Singh, Sukhdev Singh, and Paramjot are contesting as Independents. The last date of withdrawal is May 14.