The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has declared Ranjit Singh Dhillon as its candidate from Ludhiana. This decision is aimed at garnering Sikh votes in the constituency.
Dhillon enjoys a positive reputation and is well-respected by individuals from various communities. He began his political career as a councillor from ward number 6 in 1997 and has maintained a clean image throughout his tenure, avoiding controversies.
Dhillon gained prominence during his tenure as MLA from East constituency from 2012 till 2017. However, he was defeated by Congress’s Sanjay Talwar in the 2017 assembly elections and subsequently by AAP’s Daljit Grewal in 2022.
Dhillon emerged as the frontrunner for the SAD ticket after Manpreet Ayali declined to contest. Initially, Dhillon was also hesitant to contest, prompting SAD to consider second-rung leaders such as former mayor Haracharan Singh Gohalwaria and advocate Paropkar Singh Ghumman.
Sources indicate that Ayali played a crucial role in convincing Dhillon to contest and assured him of full support during the campaign.
Upon the announcement of his candidature, Dhillon paid obeisance at a gurdwara in Sekhewal, while his supporters gathered at his Noorwala Road office to celebrate.
Dhillon expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from people of all ages and acknowledged the challenges he faced in the previous two elections. He expressed his determination to secure victory in the upcoming contest.
