2 from flood-hit Shahkot in the fray for block samiti poll

In the flood-hit region of Shahkot, two candidates -- Lakhvir Singh of the Aam Aadmi Party and Darshan Singh of the Congress -- are contesting the upcoming block samiti elections, both promising to strengthen flood-protection infrastructure in their regions.

Lakhvir Singh (30), a farmer from Mundi Cholian village, said the repeated devastation caused by floods had pushed him to take up political responsibility. “Main ethe rehna chahunda si (I always wanted to stay here even when both my brothers are well-settled in the USA). I was never interested in politics. But it was due to the persuasion of my people that I entered politics. Now that they have made me reach here, I will definitely win and work for them,” he said.

Lakhvir added that development in his area had long been neglected. “Our region is quite underdeveloped. The roads are in poor condition and deteriorating every day. I want to resolve this issue as well,” he said. Confident of victory, he noted that he had been visiting every household and expects a strong lead.

Darshan Singh (55) from Mandala Channa village, where four families recently lost their homes to the floods, is fighting his first election, though his family has long been active in the local leadership.

“My brother has been a sarpanch twice. This is my first election. Our village pond is also a major issue and I want to resolve that,” he said.

Darshan noted that he had been campaigning extensively and planning strategies since last night. “I want to win for my people. I have been meeting residents and working on my campaign with dedication,” he added.

After flooding in the Sutlej led to severe erosion in its embankment and washed away portions of land where houses once stood, tragedy struck Mandala Channa village in Shahkot subdivision in August this year. Four houses belonging to daily wage labourers — four brothers — were reduced to rubble when floods hit. The incident had added urgency to demands for long-term protection measures.

Mundi Cholian too has suffered heavily in previous years, with severe devastation reporting in 2019 and again in 2023. “This time, by God’s grace, we were saved,” residents said. “But people suffer a lot and they face major losses whenever floods hit.”

Both candidates agree that strengthening the bundhs (embankments) and improving infrastructure are essential to prevent recurring flood damage and ensure safety.