ASSEMBLY BYPOLLS Shivani Bhakoo Ludhiana, October 21 The Dakha constituency bypoll and 43rd general elections in Canada coincided today, reportedly casting a shadow over Canadian elections. Reason: Landlords, agriculturalists are focusing here more in extending support to their respective parties/candidates. At the same time, many local residents having links in Canada are camping there for the past one month to support NRI candidates, who have got their roots attached here in the district. In Canada, it is a close race between Trudeau’s Liberals and Andrew Scheer’s Conservatives. Millions of Canadians are expected to vote for the country’s next parliament. Interestingly, locals having relatives or friends in Canada used to camp in Canada to support their respective NRI candidates, but due to Dakha bypoll, the trend and focus was missing this time. Amrik Singh Jandali, former chairman, Market Committee Ahmedgarh, said he is supporting three-time MP Ruby Sahota from the same village. Interestingly, this time Sahota’s rival, too, is from Ludhiana district from Dehlizkalan village. The support from villages here seems to be divided this time. But Sahota still has an edge, as she is contesting for the fourth time, feels Jandali. Another local Harminder Singh said one of his cousins Sukhmander Singh Dhaliwal, a GNDEC alumnus, is contesting from Surrey Newton. “He is three-time MP and we hope he will win this time too with a big majority. Our good wishes are with him. He is doing great for Punjabis. He was the one to bring a bill in the parliament to celebrate Punjab Heritage Month. Regular calls are made from here by relatives, friends etc. asking people to support him,” said Harminder Singh. Satvir Singh is camping in Canada to support female contestant Sonia Sidhu from Sidhwan Bet village. Talking over phone from Canada, Satvir said Sonia was contesting from Brampton. She has been the MP once. “My brother is settled here, we are making sincere efforts for Sonia’s victory, who is our own girl. As far as work at home (India) is concerned, that is a never-ending process. One has to prioritise everything,” said Singh.

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