Key seats: Bhagwant Mann’s entry raises stakes in Dhuri

Tribune News Service

Parvesh Sharma

Dhuri, January 24

With Punjab AAP president and Sangrur Member parliament (MP) Bhagwant Mann joining the fray from Dhuri, the constituency has become a high profile one.

Congress nominee Dalvir Singh Goldy, who is sitting MLA, was earlier involved in student politics while the SAD-BSP alliance has shifted former Sangrur MLA Parkash Chand Garg to Dhuri. The Sanyukt Samaj Morcha has fielded Sarbjit Singh Alal who has raised various social issues in the past.

The first visit of Mann, who is the party’s CM face also, on Sunday to the area laid bare the fact that the constituency would witness a fierce battle as all parties have trained their guns on him.

Not many residents are ready to express their opinion on their choice, but some of them spoke of change.

When asked about what kind of change, some say there is a need for third alternative while others are in favour of farmers’ party. However, there are still many who say they will vote for traditional parties.

In all, there are 1,64,322 voters, including 86,593 male and 77,721 female.

“The credibility of Mann is zero in the constituency as neither he has given promised funds to villages nor fulfilled other promises. He has not even visited the villages that voted for him twice during the Lok Sabha elections,” said Garg.

Mann and other leaders of his party have been raising the corruption issue and lack of basic facilities. Goldy has challenged Mann to an open debate on developmental works undertaken by him. He also has been trying to build a narrative of an ‘outsider’ versus ‘Dhuri da putt’ as he belongs to the constituency. “Mann has always escaped from debate. I challenge him to an open debate as he has done nothing for the Sangrur Lok Sabha constituency despite winning twice. I will also share my achievements during the debate,” said Goldy.

“Residents are fed up with the Congress, SAD, AAP and others. This time, they have made up their mind to vote for farmers. Dhuri voters are well aware that about the wrongdoings of Goldy, Mann and Garg. I am getting good response and will defeat other candidates,” said SSM candidate Sarbjit Alal.

Largely rural area

Having 74 villages, the constituency is largely rural. Dhuri town is the only urban area in the constituency. Farmers’ issues, including complete waiver of dues of sugarcane growers, lack of health and education facilities and problem of drug menace, are likely to dominate the election.

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