Ludhiana: In civic polls, Bharat Bhushan Ashu probe set to be a decisive factor

LUDHIANA: The arrest of former cabinet minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu in the transportation tender scam is likely to cast its shadow upon the upcoming elections of local bodies in the city.
While several councillors from his party are not too willing to talk openly on the issue, many councillors from West constituency, from where Ashu has been MLA twice, believe that the leader will survive this test. They, however, admitted the fact that they feel directionless this time and once they come into campaigning mode, they would need one aggressive leader to guide. Ashu, who took a plunge into politics by being elected first as a councillor, has been actively involved in the local issues and in his West constituency, Congress had won 16 out of 17 wards in last MC elections in 2018. His wife Mamta Ashu has also been a councillor from wart 67. The civic body polls are likely to be held in the next few months. However, councillors from other parties see it as an opportunity for them to grab control over maximum wards in the city. They also see the vigilance probe and allegations of corruption against Ashu and his associates as a big jolt to the image of party. Though for the record, Ashu’s supporters are trying to put up a brave face.
Congress councillor from ward number 68, Baljinder Singh, said, "The leadership is standing like a rock with him (Ashu) and we are hopeful he will come out clean. Though it may take time, but there will be no proof against him." However, he admitted that it has demoralized the workers.
Meanwhile, another Congress councillor from ward number 73, Seema Kapoor, said, "First of all elections are quite far and secondly councillors elections are contested more on face value of a person. The leadership is important but a strong candidate can cover everything." She added that when elections will come, the matter will be sorted out. Another Congress councillor from ward number 74, Pankaj Sharma, said, "This is purely political vendetta as Aam Aadmi Party leaders know very well that they cannot win elections in the state, so they are adopting such measures. There is no base in this case, only allegations." He added that Ashu has applied for bail and they are sure that the court will grant him the same.
However, the BJP councillor from ward number 85, Sunita Rani, said, "This will have a major impact on the image of Congress in the upcoming elections. Perhaps Ashu will get bail and he will come out but people will remember everything, and this is going to be a major poll plank." She said that the Congress is finished and Shiromani Akali Dal is not going to gain any momentum, so tough competition will be witnessed between BJP and AAP.
On the other hand, a senior SAD councillor said, “The judiciary will decide whether Ashu is guilty or not but it will leave an impact on the minds of public.”
He also added that his party is under rejuvenation and soon it would come out with double force to contest the elections.