Constituency profile: Jagraon
Amenities lacking, growth takes back seat
Harshraj Singh
Like many other constituencies, Jagraon, too, lacks basic amenities that have been ignored for long. Waterlogging during rains, dilapidated roads, choked sewers and mounds of garbage dumps along roads among others continue to be the constituency’s bane.
Residents complain no concrete steps have been taken to deal with traffic snarl-ups in the town. Corruption and unemployment are also major issues in the constituency.
Master Avtar Singh, a Jagraon resident, said: “A short spell of rain is enough to flood the roads here. The waterlogging problem has remained unresolved for years. Sewers generally remain choked and solid waste management, too, is not up to the mark. There is no check on the quality of works being done by the municipal council here.”
Residents also want promotion of sports in the constituency. Their long-pending demand of a stadium has not been addressed so far. “There is a shortage of specialist doctors and medical staff in the government hospital. Seriously ill or injured patients are generally referred to Ludhiana or other stations. Thus, health service should be improved here,” said Kanwaljeet Khanna, another resident.
Drug menace also remains an issue in the constituency. Residents demand job avenues to deal with the problem of unemployment. There is no major industry in Jagraon. Also, there’s a demand for the upgrade of Government Science College.
Past Trend –
It’s a major rural constituency in Ludhiana district. In 2017, AAP Sarvjit Kaur Manuke defeated Congress’ Malkit Singh Dakha by a margin of 25,576 votes. In 2012, SAD’s SR Kaler was elected from here, while Gurdeep Singh Bhaini of Congress won in 2007.
How It Voted in 2017 Elections –
Won – Saravjit Kaur Manuke (AAP) – 61521 votes
Lost – Malkit Singh Dakha (Congress) – 35945 votes
Electorate Strength –
Total -1,82,301
Males – 96,819
Females – 85,480
Third gender – 2
Locals’ Key Demands –
End to waterlogging
Civic & health services
Stadium & sporting activities
Job avenues for youth
