Congress leader Gaganjit Singh Barnala was among eight candidates who filed nominations papers today for the by-election to Dhuri assembly constituency in Punjab to be held on April 11.
Barnala is the son of veteran Akali Dal leader and former Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, who has parted ways with the parent body.
The others who filed papers were - Simar Partap Singh (Congress as covering candidate), Gobind Singh (Shiromani Akali Dal), Navinderpreet Singh (SAD Covering), Sukhdev Ram Sharma (CPI), Sarabjit Singh (Bahujan Mukti Party) and Gurmeet Singh and Zora Singh (Both Independents).
An election office spokesman said that a total of 14 candidates have filed their nomination papers.
The scrutiny would take place tomorrow and the candidates can withdraw their nominations by March 27. The voting would take place between 8 am and 5 pm on April 11 and the counting of votes would take place on April 15, he said.
Dhuri seat had fallen vacant due to the recent resignation of Congress member Arvind Khanna.
The present strength of the 117-member state assembly is SAD 58, BJP 12, Congress 43, Independent and 3 Others, with a vacant seat.
