Punjab's starry polls

The poll fray in Punjab seems to be starrier than usual this time, with well-known names from music and showbiz applying for tickets for the Lok Sabha elections, and some even withdrawing their names. And it's the Aam Aadmi Party that seems to be a bigger draw for them than others. After Savita Bhatti, the late Jaspal Bhatti's wife, withdrew from the fray, it is reportedly Gul Panag's turn to be appointed AAP party's candidate from Chandigarh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
GUL PANAG: Gul, 35, is the latest, and one of the youngest, Bollywood stars contemporarily to enter the poll fray ' if she does, since a formal announcement is still pending. Amid much speculation about Gul's name being cleared for the nomination, she responded to our enquiries with, 'I have applied for the nomination' awaiting the party's decision.' Gul has apparently always been open about her desire to join politics. In an interview to TOI two years ago, when debuting in a Punjabi film on students and politics, she had said that in her opinion, more youngsters need to join Indian politics if we want to change the corrupt 'system'. Before Gul, it was her father, Lt Gen (retd) HS Panag, who joined AAP, two months ago.
SAVITA BHATTI: When Savita was offered the AAP ticket, she'd said that her association with the party was 'a natural process since both the ideologies of my late husband (Jaspal Bhatti), myself, and that of AAP are similar. Like AAP, we also believe in catering to the aam aadmi. All of Jaspalji's banter was directed against the corrupt systems in politics and society.' Savita later withdrew her candidature from the Chandigarh seat, citing 'personal reasons and clash of egos within the party.' On Gul's nomination, Savita said, 'I can only wish her the best of luck.'
BHAGWANT MANN: The comedian, who gained popularity from the TV comedy series Great Indian Laughter Challenge, had earlier joined the People's Party of Punjab, headed by Manpreet Badal, Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Badal's dissenting cousin, about three years ago. However, in March, Bhagwant left PPP and joined AAP, and was given the party ticket from Sangrur, his hometown in Punjab.
RABBI SHERGILL: The singer, who has always spoken his mind on politics, considers himself a social crusader of sorts and has often said that he'd like to see the youth become more involved politically. Since AAP came into the political picture, Rabbi has shown his support for the party. Perhaps it was due to this that he was considered for the party seat from his hometown Amritsar. But Rabbi withdrew his nomination, stating, 'My support for AAP is more than formal. I did file my nomination initially, but later realized that active politics needs a different acumen.'