Political scientists call the new trend an urban manifestation of the traditional reluctance of Jat Sikh politicians to bandy about their caste in a state where SCs form over 32 per cent of the population.

But Dr Rajesh Gill, a sociologist at Panjab University, calls it a style statement very much in sync with the flamboyant nature of the state politics.

For Tejinder Singh Bittu, Congress candidate from Jalandhar Centre who jumped into politics in college, it`s only a matter of convenience. Bittu replaced his surname Dudiya with Bittu, for it made him more people-friendly. “It breeds familiarity, it’s so easy for complete strangers to tell me, Bittu, idhar aa; Bittu, udhar ja,” he says laughing.

Luv Kumar Goldy, Congress candidate from Garhshankar, also cites the same logic for replacing the Sharma in his name with ‘Goldy’.

Pet names are certainly easy on the memory. This may explain why first-timer contestant from Kharar, Jasjit Singh, decided to suffix Bunny to his name. Son of senior Akali leader Capt Kanwaljit Singh, Bunny may have lost the polls but he has certainly registered in the collective memory of Kharar.

Easy to recall, pet names are also equally easy to lampoon. Bittu recalls his mortification when a veteran told him that he had decided to quit politics, for he didn`t want to rub shoulders with the Bittus and Bittas in the fray. But Malkiat Singh Kittu, former Barnala MLA who lost to Congress this time, says he is fine with his name despite the greys in his beard. “That’s the name by which people have always known me. I would take offence if they were to address me as Malkiat saab or Sardar Malkiat Singh,” shrugs the transporter.

... contd.