Chandigarh: The Congress is yet to announce its candidates for the January 30 Punjab Assembly polls, even as ruling Shiromani Akali Dal has already announced its first list of candidates.
"We will announce the candidates' name in the next 3-4 days," Congress in-charge for Punjab, Gulchain Singh Charak said in Chandigarh on Sunday.
When asked if the delay would give an edge to SAD, he said, "SAD is a regional party, while Congress is a national party where several processes are followed before the candidates are finally selected. There are two-three meetings more to be held after which we will come out with the names."
Charak also dismissed speculation of internal wrangling in the party.
"We had received 1,500 applications (for 117 seats). But there is no internal wrangling. The consultation process is on and we have to keep winnability factor in mind," he said.
According to political analysts, Congress faces the tricky task of adjusting some of the defectors, including PPP's Kushaldeep Dhillon, while at the same time avoiding ruffling feathers of its own members who would be aspiring for
the tickets.
SAD had already announced names of 48 candidates for the polls.
The party led by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal is contesting on 94 seats, while the remaining 23 seats would be contested by its ally the BJP.
Punjab will have single-phase elections in 117 constituencies. The counting will be on March 4.
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