Panchkula RWAs to enter civic body poll fray

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, September 14

Fed up with the working style of the Panchkula Municipal Corporation, members of several Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) here have decided to contest the upcoming civic body elections, including for the Mayor post.

The Citizen Welfare Association (CWA) has decided to field a candidate for the post of Mayor. SK Nayar, president of the association, said: “Due to political interference into the affairs of the Municipal Corporation, its day-to-day working has been severely affected. Instances of financial frauds have also been reported from the civic body. Thus, the association has decided to contest for the post of Major for the betterment and development of the city. Our members have better understanding of their neighbourhood and residents and their problems. If we are given an opportunity, we will definitely bring about a change.”

“We have to run from pillar to post to get approval for even smallest of works, whether it is about repairing of roads or stray cattle menace on streets,” he said.

RK Agarwal, president, Panchkula Vikas Manch, said they would field candidates from some wards. They would make it clear that they won’t go for the post of Mayor.

“Corruption and wrongdoings in the Municipal Corporation at a large scale have forced us to contest the council elections. The voice of a common man is not being heard,” he said.

When asked would they be able to fight against the established political parties, he said it was up to the people of Panchkula to decide if they really wanted a change. Our purpose is not only to win the elections, but work for people.

RP Malhotra of the Federation of Residents’ Association (FORA) said he was thinking of getting into the race for the Mayor’s post.

“Only RWA members have first-hand experience of problems in their area. Our organisation has done a tremendous work for the betterment of people, including senior citizens,” he said.

The civic body elections are expected to be held late this year or early next year. The city has been divided into 20 wards. Of this, seven wards have been reserved for women.

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