Punjab-born man wins election in Finland

Chandigarh, Oct 30 (IANS) Punjab-born people have won elections in the US, Britain and Canada but in a first of its kind, a Punjabi has won a provincial election in Finland.

Ranbir Sodhi, 42, a night-club owner in Vantaa province adjoining Finland's capital Helsinki has become the first Indian to make it to the council of governors of Vantaa.

Originally hailing from Dhuri town in Punjab's Sangrur district, 200 km from here, Sodhi achieved the distinction of being the first and only member of Indian origin to make it to the council of governors during recently concluded elections, his media agency said here Thursday.

Sodhi has been elected on a Social Democratic Party (SDP) ticket. SDP is a leading party in Finland. He has been elected for a four-year term to the 67-member council of governors from 627 candidates.

Sodhi, who resides in Hiekkaharju city in Vantaa state, will represent the fourth most populated city of Finland with over 190,000 residents.

"This is yet another milestone for Indians, especially the Punjabi community which comprises nearly 200 families in Finland. Having been elected to the Finland legislature is a dream come true for me," Sodhi said.

Vantaa has the biggest international airport in Finland and caters to Helsinki city.

He said that his priority would be infrastructure development in Vantaa.