Dera Bassi Constituency: Issues that Matter

Lack of civic amenities and the anti-incumbency factor seem to be affecting the poll prospects in the Dera Bassi constituency from where sitting MLA NK Sharma is contesting on the SAD-BJP ticket. Candidates are making efforts to woo voters in the constituency and are reaching out to voters with lots of promises. In the Dera Bassi Assembly seat, there is a triangular contest for the first time among SAD-BJP candidate and sitting MLA NK Sharma, Congress candidate Deepinder Singh Dhillon and AAP’s Bibi Sarabjit Kaur. Our Correspondent Satinder Pal Singh speaks to the candidates and residents about the promises and problems in this constituency.

Candidatespeak

Will focus on more development works  

Development works in Dera Bassi constituency have been carried out on a timely basis. Over Rs 1,600 crore has been spent on the overall development works in the constituency. Sufficient drinking water has been ensured for villages falling under the Dera Bassi constituency as all villages in Dera Bassi have been connected with the Rural Water Supply Schemes. The Dera Bassi constituency was known as a reluctant constituency during the tenure of the Congress government, whereas the SAD-BJP alliance has taken initiatives for the multifaceted development and brought Dera Bassi into limelight. The SAD-BJP alliance is working towards the development of this region, whereas the Congress has kept the general public deprived of the basic facilities since long. We will focus on more development works in the constituency. — NK Sharma, SAD-BJP candidate

Will give people a clean city

The Dera Bassi constituency did not witness even a single development project under the SAD-BJP alliance. They have failed to provide basic amenities to the citizens. People have made their mind to vote for the candidate who can develop the constituency. Though Zirakpur has emerged as a major township, it lacks a fire station. The condition of roads, education or any other facilities is pathetic here. Residents of Dera Bassi are bound to face pollution of meat plants situated nearby. The town has altogether been neglected. Our government promises to take up all development works and give people a clean city, if voted to power. We will frame a policy to set up a girls’ college at Lalru and will work for the development of the poor and make sure that everyone lives in clean surroundings. A proper checking of meat plants would be conducted to ensure the implementation of the pollution control norms during our government. — Deepinder Singh Dhillon, Congress candidate

Will set up a women’s police station 

The corrupt practices of the SAD-BJP government will lead to its downfall. People are tired of corruption and will vote for a change. They will vote for AAP. The sitting MLA has done nothing and is seeking votes for development work done by others. The roads are in a bad shape here. People complain of poor water and electricity supply. If AAP forms the government, the party promises to set up a women’s police station with a view to ensuring safety of women and instilling a sense of security and confidence among them. The main aim of the AAP would be to uplift the standards of government schools, including infrastructure, and ensure potable water in schools. The SAD-BJP has developed a habit of only announcing ambitious projects and never completing it on time. — Bibi Sarabjit Kaur, AAP candidate

Residents’ expectations                     

Want issues resolved

Residents of the constituency are disappointed with the representatives of the area for not lending them an ear. Before every election, candidates make tall promises to address our issues, but after winning the elections, they cite procedural issues in resolving them. Voters of the constituency are looking for a party or a candidate who can tide through the issues and solve them to make the constituency better. — Arsheen Malik, a resident of Dera Bassi

Roads, lanes need to be repaired

Though several development works have been undertaken in the recent past, a lot is still lacking. Stray cattle menace is a big issue in the constituency. The party should also initiate action to expedite work to provide basic amenities and solve the waterlogging problem in the constituency. People face many hardships as roads and lanes are in a pathetic condition and the area lacks civic amenities. — Akansha