Ludhiana North ‘wronged’

Manav Mander

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As one enters the Ludhiana North constituency, the stench emanating from the Budha Nullah is hard to escape. Despite tall promises, over the years little has been done to cleanse the nullah that has been polluting lives of local residents.

This constituency, a Congress stronghold, is represented by Rakesh Pandey. Its population primarily comprises the Valmikis who have remained loyal to the Congress for years. In 2009, ward no. 1, 26, 27 and 31 of the constituency were categorised as “urban”. Seven years on, these areas have had no development and lack basic facilities.

Ward no. 1 near the Jalandhar bypass has inadequate sewerage system. Says Jagtar Singh: “It’s like living in hell. Water remains accumulated on roads all the time, spreading disease. Our representations to the MC in this regard have evoked no response.”

Another resident blames the SAD-BJP dispensation for the sorry state of affairs. He claims they are being punished for having elected a Congress man. “I had decided I would vote for the party and not for the candidate this time. But with AAP entering the fray, voters will have to think hard,” he says.

As one moves towards Chander Nagar via the Budha Nullah, one encounters filth and garbage all along the nullah. Industrial units located in the vicinity continue to discharge their waste into the drain with scant regard for those residing in the area. Successive governments have failed to do much.

“We have our house here and cannot think of moving out. I have little hope of things improving in the future. May be things will turn even worse,” says a despondent Suresh Kumar,

In 2011, a Rs 16-crore project for cleaning the nullah was announced. “Funds totalling Rs 50 crore were released by the Centre but nobody knows where these were spent. In 2014, an additional Rs 37.5 crore were released but there is no account of that money too,” claims MLA Pandey.

Ward no. 26 has broken, pot-holed roads. Those in Salem Tabri were re-carpeted a few years ago. These have not been repaired since. “The SAD government is making tall claims on development. The Akalis should visit our area for a reality check. Development has been carried out only in areas represented by a SAD-BJP councillor or MLA. Our area has been given a step-motherly treatment. If the Congress comes to power, we are sure all development works will be completed,” says Tarsem of Salem Tabri.

Ward no. 26 has no government school. “The government claims to have provided free education and bicycles to girl students. But residents in our ward buy bicycles for their daughters so that they can pedal to the next ward to attend school,” says Gopal Kishan.

“I only hope that with the completion of the Smart City project, the roads will become more motorable,” says Gurpreet Singh.

Sources claim SAD’s ally BJP will be fielding its candidate from this constituency. Parveen Bansal is believed to be one of the main contenders for the BJP ticket. It is to be seen if the voters this time will shift affiliation or stick to their ‘favourite’ party.

Last election result

Winner
Rakesh Pandey (Congress)
Votes polled 48,216
Runner-up
Parveen Bansal (BJP)
Votes polled 46,048