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Politics on for NRI Sabha polls
WSN Network

Jalandhar: Changes may be expected in the election scene of NRI Sabha Punjab with inclusion of NRIs in the electorate, something the Union Government is planning, but one thing may remain unchanged – election along caste lines.

Notwithstanding the achievements of the Punjabi Diaspora and spectacular material achievements by the Punjabi NRIs, caste continues its vice-like grip. During the run up to the NRI Sabha elections, scheduled to be held on February 14, card of caste is also being used in these elections along with other factors by the interested lobbies.

The NRIs Sabha has more influence in the Doaba region, which has maximum number of NRIs from the state, and from within this region, the Jatt and Lubana communities have the major percentage among the NRIs.

There are likely to be three major players – incumbent Kamaljit Hayer, Jasbir Shergill and Pritam Singh Naurangpur – who are interested in fighting for the post of president.

While the former two are from the Jatt community, Naurangpur is of Lubana community and has once remained President. Shergill has earlier remained vice president.

The members who would be eligible for voting can be enrolled till January 31. Candidates are also trying to play the caste card to strengthen their bastion. Naurangpur claimed that he was enjoying support from all the sections and any whispering campaign along caste lines was bad. Interestingly, all the three candidates enjoy patronage of different leaders of the same party – Shiromani Akali Dal. Unfortunately, the NRI Sabha Punjab has never enjoyed the reputation of being a truly representative body.

13 January 2010
 

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