Former cricketer Yograj Singh to contest Haryana polls

CHANDIGARH - Yograj Singh, a former test cricketer and father of Indian cricket team vice-captain Yuvraj Singh, will contest the forthcoming assembly polls in Haryana from newly-created Panchkula seat for the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD).

This announcement was made here Saturday by INLD general secretary Ajay Chautala, while releasing the second list of 32 candidates. The party’s first list of 42 candidates was declared Sep 4.

“Though I was born in a Congress family and have friends in this party but still I am contesting from INLD. When Ajay approached me and told me to contest elections from Panchkula, then I could not say no to him,” Yograj told reporters here Saturday.

He added: “I am also very impressed with the personality and character of Devi Lal, I would feel myself lucky if I could be successful in adopting just 10 percent of his qualities. I would try my level best to serve INLD in the coming days.”

On the possibility of involvement of Yuvraj in the election campaign, Yograj said: “It all depends on him, I would not force him to campaign for me.”

Seeking early polls, the Congress government had the assembly dissolved seven months before its term was to end.

The Congress, which led in 59 assembly segments of the 90-member assembly in the general elections this May, is yet to announce its candidates.

Former chief minister Om Parkash Chautala had announced his candidature from the Uchana Kalan constituency in Jind district Sep 4. However, Saturday it was announced that Chautala would also contest from Ellenabad seat in Sirsa district.

INLD has released its candidates for 74 seats. The last date for filing nominations is Sep 25.

Elections will be held Oct 13 and the votes will be counted Oct 22.