Cong releases first list, sticks to assembly poll criterion for candidature

Chandigarh: Releasing its first list of candidates for Patiala, the Congress decided to follow its policy of 'one family, one ticket' adopted during the assembly election. In addition, turncoat or rebel made it the list of 31 names. All sitting councillors, have, however, been included in the list.

This is the party's first list of candidates for the MC elections in Punjab. The list was finalized at a meeting chaired by chief minister Amarinder Singh on Monday. Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Sunil Jakhar was also present at the meeting, held in New Delhi, along with AICC secretary and Punjab in-charge Asha Kumari and AICC secretary Harish Chaudhary.

The one-family-one-ticket rule has not been applied to sitting councilors. The party decided that those who left the party in 2012 and 2014 will not be accommodated in the matter of ticket allocation for the MC polls. However, those who contested and lost MC elections earlier, but remained steadfast in their loyalty to the party would be considered for nomination.

In another decision aimed at rewarding loyalty and boosting party morale, it was decided to give preference to original Congress members over those who have joined from other parties, according to a party spokesperson.