Overflowing river washes away claims

Ravneet Singh

Residents in Shutrana are faced with a number of issues like overflow of water from ‘Chhoti Nadi’ and lack of education and health facilities. Asheen Khan, an advocate, said, “Villages, including Khanewal, Chanagra among 20 others of Patran, are affected due to overflowing waters of ‘Chhoti Nadi’. People have request for facilities, but to no avail. Traffic woes are regular in city areas.”

The government hospital in Shutrana also lacks proper facilities. People are forced to go 60 km away to Patiala city for treatment. “Even accident victims are shifted as the hospital lacks facilities,” said Sardeep Singh of Ghagga.

Jatinder Mattoo, who announced contesting the upcoming Assembly elections, said, “The area has been left out on the education front. The primary school of Bhund Theh village, adjacent to Dera Jattan, Dera Jheel and Dera Bikanerian villages has been in a shambles for many years. Also, only arts courses are taught at the lone government college at Nyal village here. Those interested in studying BCom or science courses are forced to go to Patiala.”

Past trend

The constituency has witnessed a tussle between the SAD and Congress since Independence. The entry of the AAP in 2017 turned it into a triangular contest. Nirmal Singh of the Congress, a three-time winner since 2002, is the sitting MLA.

Electorate strength

Total voters 1.78 lakh

Male 93,401

Female 85,558

Third gender 6