Amarinder urges PM to contest Amritsar Lok Sabha by-election

Patiala, Dec 22 (UNI) In the face of the resignation of BJP Lok Sabha member Navjot Singh Sidhu, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to contest the Amritsar Parliamentary byelection.

Highly placed sources told UNI that this request was made during Dr Singh's visit to Amritsar on Wednesday.

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Shamsher Singh Dullo, when contacted, said though there was so far no confirmation of any such move at the level of Congress high command, it would be the privilege of the Punjab Congress if Dr Singh contested from the holy city.

''If the Prime Minister contests the Lok Sabha by-election from Amritsar, the Congress will definitely improve its position in the Majha region,'' Mr Dullo said.

The by-election to the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat is likely to be held along with the ensuing Punjab assembly elections.

Mr Sidhu had resigned from the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat following his conviction by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in a road ragedeath case.

UNI XC PS SB KN1408