Coming from humble beginnings, Rajinder Gupta became one of Punjab’s wealthiest men and made a mark in politics by serving in key government positions in several administrations. Now, the industrialist, the founder of the Trident Group, is set to enter the Rajya Sabha after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday named him its candidate for the coming bypoll to the Upper House of Parliament.

Gupta’s selection is widely seen as the AAP’s strategic move to strengthen regional representation amid concerns about the perceived growing influence of its central leadership in Punjab politics. The bypoll was necessitated after sitting MP Sanjeev Arora won the Ludhiana West Assembly poll earlier this year and was subsequently inducted into the Bhagwant Mann Cabinet.

Born in Bathinda to cotton deal

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