Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced Padma Shree awardeed - environmentalist Balbir Singh Seechewal and an entrepreneur, philanthropist and social activist Vikramjit Singh Sahney as ruling Aam Aadmi Party's candidates for Rajya Sabha seats from the state.
The term of Rajya Sabha members from Punjab Ambika Soni (Congress) and Balwinder Singh Bhunder (Shiromani Akali Dal) is due to expire on July 4. The last date for the filing of nominations is May 31. The scrutiny of nominations will be done on June 1 while the last date of for the withdrawal of candidature is June 3.
The date of polling is June 10 from 9 am to 4 pm. The counting will be held on the same day at 5 pm.
Who is Balbir Singh Seechewal?
A renowned environment activist and social worker, Balbir Singh Seechwal was awarded the Padma Shri for rejuvenating the 160 km-long-long tributary of the Satluj and Beas rivers.
Popularly known as Eco Baba is also known for his efforts to clean the holy rivulet Kali Bein in Sultanpur Lodhi, where Guru Nanak Dev got enlightenment. He featured by Time Magazine among 30 'Heroes of the Environment' in 2008.
Who is Vikramjit Singh Sahney?
An entrepreneur, educationist, philanthropist and social activist, Sahney was conferred with Padma Shri for his contribution towards the welfare of society at large.
He is the international president of the WPO (World Punjabi Organisation) which functions in 22 countries to foster social, economic, and cultural bondage.
He had evacuated over 500 Afghan Hindus and Sikhs by sending 3 chartered flights and rehabilitating them under programme “My Family, My Responsibility” by bearing their monthly household expenses, free Medical and Health Insurance, education and skilling of their children.
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