Cong rules Punjab plains, BJP the hinterland

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 11

Just as the poll results started coming in, several citizens were set for some shockers and some sweet surprises. The convincing victory of Congress in Punjab and sweeping win of BJP in UP were the most discussed poll results of the day. Here are some opinions shared by prominent citizens from the civil society on the poll results.

Gunbir Singh, chairman, WWF Punjab, EcoAmritsar

In a spectacular turn of electoral fortunes, Congress emerged the clear winner in Punjab, while the hinterland joined hands with the BJP at the Centre. The anti-incumbency mandate in Punjab consolidated towards a more stable governance alternative. This is in clear contradiction of the general expectation of a sweep by AAP. All in all, the people of Punjab have largely rejected populist doles and last-minute creation of memorabilia, and wagered on the hope of better fortunes for the state, its farm and urban economy. The expectation of a drug de-abuse, taint free, resurgent Punjab churning jobs and prosperity is sure to be a tall order for the Captain to deliver, especially with an un-amenable centre. That the state is already in a deep precipice, tall leadership with a clear 2020 vision can start making a difference. The Union Government must be magnanimous as well. The people have chosen, those elected must deliver!

Seenu Arora, president, Voice of Amritsar

It’s a very mature mandate by the people, and for the SAD-BJP, it was the writing on the wall. The voters have chosen seasoned leaders over the untested AAP party, which spells good for the future of the state. The factors that went against AAP were that they couldn’t present a formidable Punjabi Chief Minister face and failure to capitalise on Navjot Singh Sidhu’s popularity too cost them a significant number of seats. However, the results now mean that Punjab could see a stable, focused government and hope for a progressive term.