Mann Set To Lose Quila Raipur, May Win Sirhind

Will Simranjit Singh Mann wear his kirpan to the Punjab Assembly? The man who refused to take oath as an MP, because he was not allowed to enter the Parliament House wearing his kirpan, is contesting two Assembly seats - Qila Raipur in district Ludhiana, where he is challenging Badal, and Sirhind in district Patiala.

Whatever his critics and rivals say, Mann continues to remain one of Punjab's prominent politicians. A gold medalist in history from the prestigious Punjab University, Mann joined the IPS in 1965. Well-read, he speaks with authority not only on politics and history, but on economics and literature.

 

But if reports from different parts of the state are any indication, Mann has failed to draw crowds this time. His election meetings remain thinly-attended. It is clear that Mann has lost his charisma. His sheen has faded. A keen Punjab watcher observes: Mann has missed the bus now. He is a spent force. The stark reality is that Punjab needs peace and people want peace. All political parties - Congress, BJP and Akali Dal led by Badal