Kalayat, Pundri, Siwan voters upbeat ahead of MC elections

Residents of Kalayat, Pundri and Siwan MCs are gearing up with enthusiasm for the March 2 municipal elections. For the first time, voters will directly elect MC chairpersons, a major shift from the earlier system where councillors chose the chairperson. The residents have welcomed the step as they believe that it will give them the power to decide their local leadership.

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As the election day approaches, enthusiasm is palpable among the voters who are eager to exercise their newly granted right to directly choose their municipal chairperson.

These MCs comprise 16 wards each and voters will cast their ballots not only for ward councillors but also for the chairperson. In Kalayat, 14,573 voters — 7,589 males, 6,982 females and two others — are set to participate in the democratic process. Pundri has 15,606 eligible voters, including 8,178 males and 7,428 female voters. Siwan has 14,882 voters, with 7,738 males, 7,143 females and one other voter ready to cast their vote.

Many voters have expressed their excitement over the new system, saying it would strengthen democracy by ensuring that people, not councillors, have the final say in choosing their leader.

“Earlier, we only elected councillors and they would later decide the chairperson. Now, we have the power to choose our own chairperson, which is a welcome move,” said Nishant from Pundri.

Mandeep Singh, Gautam and Ram echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that the system eliminated backdoor deals and ensured the chairperson is accountable directly to the people.

Anil, a resident of Pundri, says, “For the first time, we will elect the chairperson ourselves. This is a historic moment for us.”

Yashpal pointed out the flaws in the previous system, saying that some councillors used to elect the chairperson based on personal interests rather than keeping public welfare in mind. He welcomed the change, saying it would lead to more transparent and democratic governance. Paramjeet Singh, Jarnail Singh Cheema of the Kalayat MC area said the new system would end the practice of horse trading for the post of chairperson.