Industrialist Rajinder Gupta suddenly resigns as Vice Chairman Punjab planning board, speculations rife for nomination to Rajya Sabha

CHANDIGARH: Following the sudden resignation of industrialist Rajinder Gupta from the post of vice chairman of the Punjab state economy and planning board, speculation is rife that he may be nominated by Aam Aadmi Party to the Rajya Sabha seat left vacant after Sanjeev Arora’s resignation. Arora had stepped down following his victory in the Ludhiana West assembly election. Gupta, chairman emeritus of the Trident Group, has held the coveted position across successive governments, first during the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP regime, then under the previous Congress government led by Captain Amarinder Singh, and presently under the current Aam Aadmi Party government. Apart from resignation from the planning board, Gupta also resigned from the position of chairperson of Patiala based Mata Kali Devi management committee. He was appointed to the post earlier this year.Speculations are rife that Rajinder Gupta’ name could be considered for Rajya Sabha as the start of nominations is approaching fast, which will start from October 6 and the voting will for the lone vacant seat from Punjab will be held on October 24. With the Aam Aadmi Party having the absolute majority in the state assembly, is sure to grab the post. Rajinder Gupta is chairman emeritus of Trident Group and has held the position of president Punjab cricket association. Trident Group has its works at Barnala in Punjab and Budni in Madhya Pradesh, which is the assembly constituency of union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. A leader of Aam Aadmi Party not wanting to be named said the name of Rajinder Gupta is learnt to be at the top of the contenders. Though some names including of another industrialist were considered and final decision will be soon taken by the party high command. Earlier, Sanjeev Arora, who resigned as Rajya Sabha member to contest assembly election, had hinted that some industrialist with headquarters in Ludhiana may be sent to Rajya Sabha.