Ignoring coaxing and cajoling by the party leadership, Congress rebels in some places in Punjab have become achiles heel for the party eyeing to return to power in the January 30 assembly poll.
Despite attempts by leaders like Oscar Fernandes and PCC President Amarinder Singh to get them out of the fray, the rebels in a few pockets have decided to stay put as today was the last date of withdrawal of candidature.
Among those in the fray as Independents after being denied tickets by Congress are former minister Upinder Sharma from Kotkapura, Amarjit Singh Brar from Baghapurana and former MLA Vijay Sathi from Moga and Babu Singh from Nihal Singh Wala as none of them withdrew their nomination papers on the last day.
Amarinder Singh had earlier warned the rebels to withdraw from the contest and threatened disciplinary action against them.
Upinder Sharma said he had already resigned from the primary membership of the party.
Senior leaders from the state Ravinder Babbal from Ferozepur and Ashok Sharma from Pathankot were also in the race as Independents.
However, some Congress leaders paid heed to their party leaders including Ranninder Singh, and Kewal Singh, former MP, withdrew their nomination papers from Dharamkot assembly constituency in Moga.
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