MC elections: Curtains down on campaigning

Campaigning for the upcoming Municipal Corporation (MC) elections ended on Thursday and candidates made a final high-decibel attempt to woo voters by holding big and small rallies, roadshows and motorcycle rallies.

Now, candidates cannot conduct public rallies, roadshows or any sort of vocal campaigning. They can, however, go for door-to-door canvassing with not more than four persons.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a roadshow in favour of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates on the last day of campaigning and assured the public that Ludhiana would see unparalleled growth under AAP’s leadership.

Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee and MP from Ludhiana, has been vigorously campaigning across all wards of Ludhiana. He criticised AAP, accusing its leaders of resorting to tactics aimed at influencing the election outcome, similar to their conduct during the panchayat elections.

A highlight of this campaign has been the participation of Amrita Warring, who has been running parallel campaigns across city’s various wards. Together, the couple has conducted 75 meetings and gatherings within just five days, covering almost every household in Ludhiana and ensuring a personal connection with the people.

She said: “Through these meetings, we have heard the voices of Ludhiana residents, and it is clear they are eager for a leadership that truly understands and addresses their issues.”

Union minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Ravneet Bittu said: “As the commercial capital of the state, Ludhiana needs a major boost in infrastructure and development projects. Only electing a BJP mayor will help in ensuring that the city walks in the path of progress.”

Senior leader of Shiromani Akali Dal Bikram Majithia, who was also in the city, said the people had already seen the outcome of voting in favour of AAP and now, they should choose wisely for the development of Ludhiana.

Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Jitendra Jorwal said public meetings would not be allowed during the 48-hour period, ending with hours fixed for the conclusion of poll. Outsiders must not move around in an illegal manner, particularly in the vicinity of polling stations, he said.

Dry day has been declared

Dry day has been declared on December 21, keeping in view the MC elections and all liquor vends will remain close and no hotels, restaurants, clubs, bars or other establishments will store, sell or serve liquor in areas falling under the MC limits. Various teams of the Excise and Taxation Department are also keeping a vigil on the illegal flow of liquor. Several nakas have been set up to keep a close watch on the supply and transportation of liquor in the district.

Final randomisation held

The final randomisation of polling booths was held at the National Informatics Centre (NIC) here on Thursday. The randomisation was held in the presence of the District Election Officer. A total of 1,296 polling booths have been established for the elections of 95 wards in the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation, 15 wards in the Machhiwara and Sahnewal Municipal Councils, 13 wards in Municipal Council, Mullanpur, 11 wards in the Malaud nagar panchayat and one ward each in the Khanna and Samrala Municipal Councils.