Heavy weights clash in Bhatinda

Bhatinda, May 2 (ANI): Bhatinda parliamentary constituency in Punjab is set to witness a high profile clash between Harsimrat Badal of Punjab's Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Raninder Singh of the Congress Party.

Badal happens to be the wife of state's Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal and the daughter-in-law of Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal.

On the other hand, Raninder Singh is the son of former Chief Minister Captainmrinder Singh.

Badal enjoys the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who is allies in the state. The contest is being seen as the clash of 'titans' by many in the parliamentary constituency.

Raninder Singh has rather grandiose plans for the constituency and harps on economic development.

"All nationalised Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) need to be set up, something like a rail coach factory at Mansa and Bhatinda. Because it generates direct as well as indirect employment. It is very good economically.

There should be industrial growth, not only through talking but in reality," said Singh.

Development is also the agenda for Badal, albeit with thrust on gender equality.

"The first priority is development. The people of this area, which is very backward, needs a lot of things, like three times water, good schools and good health care facilities. The needs of the women will be given special attention.

I am contesting this election on developmental issue," said Badal. By P S Mitha (ANI)