In Malerkotla, civic body election candidates reach protest sites to seek votes

Candidates contesting the upcoming civic body polls here are visiting venues of agitations by local units of the Safai Mazdoor Union, which is currently on a statewide stir protest over privatisation, to seek support from the employees.

All 61 wards of Malerkotla (33), Ahmedgarh (17) and Amargarh (11) will go to polls on May 26.

The development comes despite the fact that roads are littered with garbage, dustbins at homes are stinking and sewage continues to overflow across the urban localities in view of work being hit amid the protests.

Residents say they are apprehensive about even approaching authorities with complaints about the issue as the response would invariably be related to the ongoing strike.

According to the information available, sweepers working privately at government and non-government organisations are also not being permitted by the protesters to dispose of the litter.

Jassie Manvi, Amargarh halqa in-charge, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), alleged the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had failed to make necessary arrangements to ensure residents live in a clean and dignified environment. He visited two sit-in in Ahmedgarh on Friday.

“Even now, when prestige of the government is at stake due to the elections, it has not bothered to redress grievances of sweepers, who are foundation of the sanitation system of the local bodies,” said Manvi, alleging authorities had failed to implement recommendations of Swachh Bharat Mission.

Harpreet Singh, sanitation superintendent, reiterated adequate arrangements had been made to get the cleanliness done on a “war-footing” once the strike is called off.