In a strategic move to address discontent within the family of Jalandhar’s former MP Santokh Chaudhary and bolster its stronghold in the constituency, the Congress party is considering fielding a member of the Chaudhary family from Hoshiarpur reserve seat, following the nomination of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi from Jalandhar.
The decision stemmed from the concerns that the dissatisfaction within the Chaudhary family could potentially harm the Congress’ prospects in their bastion — Jalandhar. Known for their influence over the Scheduled Caste (SC) vote bank in the segment, the Chaudhary family’s discontent poses a significant challenge for the grand old party. By contemplating the move to field a Chaudhry family member from Hoshiarpur, the Congress is hoping to mitigate the rift within the former MP’s family and safeguard its electoral interests in Jalandhar.
Notably, former MP’s son — Phillaur MLA Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary — had recently resigned from the post of party’s chief whip amidst the reports indicating that high command was in favour of fielding Channi from Jalandhar, ignoring the Chaudhary family’s stake on the seat.
Speculations were also rife that Vikramjit, along with his mother Karamjeet Kaur Chaudhary, may join the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). It has been learnt that AAP had given them a two-day ultimatum to join, but the Chaudhary family did not make a decision.
Despite the same, the party chose Channi. “This time, the Congress party is deciding on its candidates only after conducting the ground-level assessments…A thorough groundwork has been done and the party is selecting candidates on the basis of their winnability. And while doing so, wherever needed, the party will not hesitate to brush aside the claims of senior leaders as well,” a senior party leader told The Pioneer.
In awarding tickets from Jalandhar, Congress has also taken into account caste dynamics and vote distribution. Estimates suggest that nearly 40 per cent of Jalandhar constituency’s population comprises SCs (Scheduled Castes). Channi, who went on to become Punjab’s first dalit Chief Minister, maintains good control over the SC fraternity. Moreover, he has strong ties with the largest deras (spiritual centers) in the state, which are associated with the SC community in Jalandhar. Even if the Chaudhary family opposes, Channi is expected to receive support from the SC community.
The recent developments within the grand old party indicated a shift in its approach to candidate selection, with a focus on appeasing influential factions within the party beforehand to prevent internal rifts. Under the same, a meeting was held between the Chaudhary family and high-ranking Congress leaders to assuage tensions, with assurances given that the family would get party ticket from Hoshiarpur.
Congress, on Sunday night, unveiled its initial list of candidates for Punjab, revealing six out of 13 names. The party leader said: “In the candidate selection process, Congress meticulously assessed the opposition to each potential nominee and its potential repercussions. Leaders, who raised objections to certain candidates, were called for discussions by the party's top leadership. Consequently, the final selection favoured candidates who faced minimal backlash from within.”
Apart from a member of Chaudhary family, the name of party’s Adampur MLA Sukhwinder Singh Kotli is also in the race for ticket from Hoshiarpur.
Congress’ decision to consider the Chaudhary family for Hoshiarpur seat underscored its commitment to carefully balance the regional dynamics and community representation. Hoshiarpur lacks a strong Congress candidate, making it a viable option for accommodating the Chaudhary family and avoiding further internal strife.
Chaudhary family’s third generation has aligned with the Congress. In fact, it was during Rahul Gandhi's ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, the then Jalandhar MP Santokh Chaudhary passed away. In the by-election following his sudden demise, the Congress had given a ticket to his widow Karamjeet Chaudhary, but faced defeat against AAP’s Sushil Kumar Rinku.
