According to information available, Surjan Singh Joga (about 50) who had won the Joga Assembly seat on the Indian People's Front (IPF) ticket and later joined the Congress during Beant Singh's tenure, had tried to marry the 17-year-old daughter of Nachhattar Singh, resident of Kotra Kalan village on Wednesday last.

But there was stiff opposition by the All-India Progressive Women's Association Punjab and Janwadi Istri Sabha and other social organisation to the marriage. In a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Commissioner Mansa the organisations alleged that Joga, despite being a married man and a father of three, was trying to get married to Baljit Kaur, a minor girl who has the same name as his so-called wife.

The Bhikhi police on directions of the administration had stopped the marriage from being performed at Kutra Kalan village. The Bhikhi police when contacted told ENS that no further action had been taken against Joga.

Talking to the news persons Baljit Kaur, Joga's so-called wife, presented documents like ration card, voter's list, wedding card of their son, family photos and an I-card of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha and asserted to be his wife. She further clarified that she had married Joga after the death of her husband Surjit Singh, a cousin of Joga.

Joga when contacted told ENS that he had never got married to Baljit Kaur but had provided necessary shelter to her after the death of his cousin. Contradicting a news item published in a Chandigarh-based Punjabi daily, he said in a press release that Baljit Kaur had no solid proof to show that he was her husband.He said he was going to get married as per the desires of the girl and her family.

Enquiries reveal that the parents of the girl are now scheduling the marriage after the girl becomes an adult to avoid legal wrangling. Sources also reveal that assurance has been given to get the girl's brothers government jobs. Villagers disclosed that Joga lives with his nephew while Baljit Kaur lives with her two sons.