Tota Singh on sticky wicket in Dharamkot

Kulwinder Sandhu

Moga, January 30

Akali heavyweight and Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh is locked in a tough contest with Congress candidate Kaka Sukhjit Singh Lohgarh and AAP nominee Daljit Singh Sadarpura in the Dharamkot constituency of Moga district.

Kaka is trying to cash in on anti-incumbency against the SAD-BJP government. Sadarpura is also making his presence felt, banking on party convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s popularity.

Kaka, considered close to Congress’ CM face Capt Amarinder Singh, had lost to Tota Singh in the 2012 Assembly elections by a little over 2,000 votes. This time, he is hopeful of turning the tables on his rival in this Akali bastion. 

The high-decibel campaigning here took a violent turn recently when local Congress leader Bhajan Singh was injured in an attack by Akali supporters at Kokri Vehniwal village.

While Tota Singh is highlighting the achievements of the SAD-BJP government during the past five years, Sadarpura is showcasing his blueprint for development in this predominantly rural segment.

The issues Kaka and Sadarpura are focusing on include the absence of an effective policy for flood management, drug addiction among the youth, socio-economic plight of the poor and marginal farmers, below-par public transport and poor health facilities.

Gurwinder Singh Guggu, sarpanch of Daata village, fears that the Akalis could resort to muscle and money power to buy votes, even as the Election Commission is keeping a tight vigil.

Local people say it’s a do-or-die battle for the septuagenarian Tota Singh. The public mood can probably be gauged by the popularity of local singer Gurbhej Khosa, whose numbers have lyrics such as “Pindan de vich pende joot Akalian nu” and “Pinjre de vichon tota uddan nahi dena.”