Sore over Zila Parishad poll dates Valmiki community holds protest

Lodging their protest against the state government, members of the Valmiki community held a massive protest outside the District Administrative Complex here this afternoon.

Members of the Aadiwasi Guru Gian Nath Puran Sangharsh Dal sat on a dharna in front of the complex blocking the passage of everyone inside. The members led by Gagandeep, legal advisor of the Doaba zone of the dal, said the state government was not paying heed to their demand regarding postponing of the Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections. They said the elections had been scheduled for October 5, just two days ahead of Valmiki Jayanti which would badly affect their participation in parbhat pheris, satsang and shobha yatras across the state. Valmiki Jayanti falls on October 7 this year.

The members including Bhupinder Sidhu, Dr Davinder Guglani and Manohar Soni said the Valmiki community was facing such a deliberate attempt by the government to spoil the big day almost every year.

Last year, Valmiki Jayanti was scheduled for October 17 and panchayati elections were to be held on October 15. “Even then, we had appealed to the government to advance dates, but no one paid heed. The celebrations got affected due to polls,” said Pal Sahota, a member.

The members of the community came attired in white kurta pyjamas and red turbans. Joginder Mann, chairperson of the organisation and AAP leader, did not attend the event. But he said, “I stand with my community. I will definitely apprise Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann about the issue. It is a valid demand. The dates of elections should not clash with any religious event. We have planned shobha yatra in Phagwara on October 5.”

Meanwhile, the government is learnt to have taken up postponement of the elections with the State Election Commission in view of the flood situation in the state. — TNS