CHANDIGARH: The nomination of the minister for panchayats and rural development, Umrao Singh, as the ruling party’s candidate for the Jalandhar parliamentary by-election has come as a shock; Umrao Singh had neither applied for a ticket nor indicated that he was willing to renounce his ministerial berth for a Lok Sabha seat. There were about 25 aspirants for the coveted party ticket and the PCC had appointed an | |member Selection committee headed by the finance minister, Dr Dewal Kishan. The committee interviewed the candidates for two days, but left the final selection to the chief minister.
The by-election is considered crucial as the ruling party has come to power after securing the votes of less than 10% of the electorate. Since then, the legitimacy of Beant Singh’s government is being questioned. Though he had established some sort of mandate by the unprecedented victory in the civic polls, this is his first major by-election.
Umrao Singh belongs to the area and represents Nakodar which is a part of the Jalandhar parliamentary constituency; He is considered the best bet for the party. Some say Beant Singh wanted to ease out Umrao Singh, but the two have a very cordial relationship, Sources close to Umrao Singh say he was upset over the nomination, but abided by the directive and filed his papers last week.
The choice of a Jat Sikh has irked Hindu Congress leaders as the by-election was necessitated by the death of the Arya Samaj leader, Yash, though they have nothing against Umrao Singh.
CONG BASTION? The Jalandhar seat has been a traditional Congress bastion and the party lost it only during the anti-Indira of 1977 and in 1989 when almost the entire opposition had backed LK: Gujral, Given the weak and fragmented Akalis, it appears to be a cakewalk for the ruling party.
Though the BJP is yet to decide on its candidate, four fits leaders’ including Balram ji Dass Tendon, former industries minister have: filed their nomination, if the party finally opts for Tendon he has the potential to make it difficult for Umrao Singh.
The multiplicity of Akali candidates should make it easier for Umrao Singh. His victory may seal his political Career in the state for a while. He may not be inducted into the Union cabinet cither as it already comprises two ministers from the state. If he is defeated, he will never regain his current political clout in the state government. Any way you look at it, Umrao Singh does not stand to gain.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 7, 1993
