Municipal polls: Youngest candidates share their drive

At an age when their peers are more interested in girls, loud music, and fast cars, Harpartap Singh Sidhu and Mandeep Singh have hit the dust and heat of Ludhiana roads. The schedule for these two youth — in their early twenties — is gruelling, but they don't seem to mind. In fray for the upcoming municipal corporation elections, Harpartap and Mandeep have their public speeches, statements and aspirations in the right place. These two also happen to be the youngest candidates in the polls.

Born in 1990 and currently a student of Law, Harpartap Singh is contesting the polls as an Independent from ward 49, "Social work has always been my calling. I have also been running an NGO — We for People — which made me get the idea of running for the civic polls."

Harpartap Singh first tried to get a Congress ticket, but after being rejected decided to run as an Independent. Clad in the typical politician's uniform — a starched white Kurta pyjama and marigold garlands — Harpartap is adept at folding hands and bowing humbly. Asked about the lack of party support, "It's ok. People are giving me a far better response than I expected."

Mandeep (22) claims, "Social work is the only thing on my mind. Power is not my target. I want to serve the people and as a councillor I can do this task better." Mandeep is contesting on a SAD(B) ticket from ward 39.

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