High-decibel campaign upsets residents

The high-decibel campaign for the Gidderbaha bypoll, which has now been pushed by another week after the Election Commission postponed the polling date from November 13 to 20, has left several residents exasperated. Speakers mounted on e-rickshaws blare out poll songs, speeches and pleas for votes, causing discomfort to many.

Nand Lal, who lives near the Clock Tower, said, “I am unable to even sleep properly. Campaign for all key candidates, including Dimpy Dhillon, Amrita Warring and Manpreet Badal, begins early in the morning.”

Veena Rani, a senior citizen, said, “Someone should tell the candidates that instead of garnering votes for them, these speakers may drive many away from exercising their right to franchise. We are fed up of the noise pollution. The civil administration should keep the practice in check.”

Some residents at Satta Bazar here said they were earlier hopeful that canvassing would end on November 11, but now the din would continue till November 18. “There should be some time restriction on the use of loudspeakers,” they said.

An e-rickshaw owner said the candidates paid them Rs 600 per day. “We are only doing our job for which we are being paid,” he said.