As politics heats up in Sangrur, farmers play spoilsport

BLURB: Continue to oppose leaders of all parties

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, November 18

The political activity has started heating up in the district as AAP and SAD candidates have started campaigning. Congress leaders are also seen visiting villages. Farmers, however, are opposing the leaders of all political parties.

“We are getting a good response from area residents. A majority of voters say that SAD is their last hope to save Punjab as the Congress government has failed to bring any improvement during its tenure of more than four and half years,” said SAD district president Iqbal Singh Jhunda, a candidate from the Amargarh constituency.

Apart from the Akalis, AAP leaders are also visiting various villages as Sangrur is known as the strong fort of the party with Leader of Opposition Harpal Cheema being an MLA from Dirba, senior leader Aman Arora an MLA from the Sunam constituency while its state chief Bhagwant Mann being an MP from here.

“Like me, a majority of our MLAs and leaders have been working hard for the development of their areas since the last elections. In Sangrur and Barnala, our party has announced the candidates on all four seats while other tickets will be out soon,” Cheema said.

Till a few days ago, farmers were opposing the visits of SAD, AAP and BJP leaders. But DAP shortage and the closing of paddy purchase centres have caused anger among the farmers against the Congress leaders as well.

“Since our government has fulfilled a majority of the poll promises, our political opponents are inciting farmers against us without any valid reasons. But we know that the farmers understand the nefarious designs of our opponents,” said Satish Kansal, a senior Congress leader from Sangrur.

Moreover, since all political parties are facing the wrath of farmers in rural areas, a majority of villages have become “no-entry zones” for the politicians. “All political parties have failed to help the farmers. We won’t allow the entry of any politician to the villages,” said Satinder Singh, a farmer while protesting at Sangrur.