Sirsa Congress MLA Gokul Setia campaigns in Kalanwali

The Congress MLA from Sirsa, Gokul Setia, visited Kalanwali on Friday to canvass for the upcoming MC elections. Addressing a gathering in Punjabi and Haryanvi, he appealed to voters to support Congress-backed Chairperson candidate Mahesh Goyal Jhorar.

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He criticised the ruling BJP government, calling it a failed ‘triple-engine’ administration. “Locals are suffering because of it. Even BJP’s own municipal councillors are staging protests now,” Setia said, urging people “not to repeat the same mistake”. He was speaking at the inauguration of Mahesh Goyal Jhorar’s campaign office. The event witnessed the presence of Om Prakash Keharwala, local Congress MLA Shishpal Keharwala’s father, and many party workers and area residents. Setia expressed confidence that Kalanwali would soon see new leadership that prioritised public needs.

He claimed that, under the previous BJP local government, Kalanwali saw no progress.

“They turned this town into ‘kala paani’ (a neglected place). This time, choose wisely and elect someone honest who will truly serve the people,” he said. A total of 10 candidates are in the fray for the Chairperson post in Kalanwali.

BJP has fielded Sunil Garg, aka Tishu, (lotus symbol), while the Aam Aadmi Party is supporting Rani Kaur (broom). Congress-backed Mahesh Goyal Jhorar is contesting on a wristwatch symbol. Other Independent candidates include Subhash Goyal, aka Ghoga (earthen pot); Charan Das Channi (bus); Sunil Ahlawat (apple); Rajeev Garg (blackboard); Master Phool Chand Luhani (chair); Charanjit Sodhi (road roller); and Mukesh Rajoria (camera).

All are campaigning actively through social media and door-to-door outreach.

Congress’ Shishpal Keharwala currently holds the local MLA seat. The Chairperson’s race is heating up, with Mahesh Goyal Jhorar and Subhash Goyal seen as the strongest contenders. Ghoga has a stronghold in the Old Mandi area, while Jhorar has greater support in New Mandi.

BJP’s Sunil Garg is also running a strong campaign, hoping to regain the position previously held by BJP’s Manish Jindal nine years ago.