Patiala rural profile

Civic neglect angers locals

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Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 5

Residents of Patiala rural, the constituency that has continuously been represented by incumbent minister Brahm Mohindra since it came into existence, are not happy with the development therein.

Voters of the constituency, also known as Patiala-2, believe that they have continuously been neglected when it comes to civic amenities.

It is learnt that majority of the residents are disgruntled mainly due to the environmental hazards caused by the “chotti nadi” that passes through the area. Nadi, a rain water rivulet, has virtually turned into a sewage drain over the years. It, in fact, passes through around 35 residential colonies of the constituency and has affected most of the area. However, a transformation project of the rivulet is already on, but the residents are not happy with the pace of work and blame the current dispensation for not completing the project in time.

Jasvir Singh, vice-president, Old Bishan Nagar Sudhar committee, said: “We thought that work on the transformation project would be completed in time, but it didn’t. We continue to face health issues due to Chotti Nadi.”

It is learnt that widening of roads has also been a major demand of people here. Demanding that the Patiala-Sirhind road should immediately be four-laned, residents say narrow roads are the major cause of road accidents in the area.

Demanding ownership rights of lease lands, they say people have been living here for years now and most of the colonies are on lease.

Meanwhile, residents of Urban Estate, a posh area of the constituency, demanded canal-based water supply for safe drinking water. OP Garg, member of coordination committee of all resident welfare organisations of Urban Estate areas of Patiala, said: “Area under the Patiala Municipal Corporation is covered under the project of canal-based water, but Urban Estate is not covered. We feel neglected.” The residents also want a primary health centre in the Urban Estate area.

How it voted in 2017

Candidate Name Party Votes Result

Brahm Mohindra Congress 68,891 won

Karanvir Singh Tiwana AAP 41, 662 Lost

Past Trend

Cabinet Minister Brahm Mohindra is serving a second successive term as MLA from the constituency. In 2017, Mohindra defeated the AAP candidate by a margin of 27,229 votes to register victory in the elections.

Electorate Strength

Total votes 2,19,989

Male 1,13,699

Female 1,06,281

Key Demands

· Complete transformation project of ‘Badi Naddi’

· Widen Patiala-Sirhind road

· Recarpet Old Bishan Nagar-Ramnagar road

· Remove high-power tension wires in residential areas