Khanna: Civic body electioneering has picked up pace with municipal councils of Khanna, Samrala, Doraha, Payal, Jagraon and Raikot going to polls on February 14.
Flags of various parties and flex boards are doting this town. Besides, posters of various parties have been pasted on both public and private property walls. The candidates are going door to door to woo voters.
“We will vote for the person who we think is capable of solving our problems of bad roads, poor garbage disposal and sewerage system,” said Dr Amarbir Singh, a doctor who lives in ward 21 here.
Civic issues will remain the deciding factor this time. Another voter echoed similar issues. Vijay Kumar of Guru Nanak Nagar said, “In our area, major problem is water-logging as the sewerage system is yet to be laid. Even moderate rainfall brings water to our homes. The problem gets worse in monsoon, when there is also threat of mosquito- and water-borne diseases. Also, the roads are full of potholes. Garbage disposal is so poor that one can see small dumps around the town.”
Meanwhile, candidates are campaigning round the clock and are confident. “We are getting a good response. The main issues are better roads, sewerage system and water supply,” said Sudhir Sonu, who was BJP councillor from ward 14 and is trying his luck again.
Apart from door-to-door campaigning, candidates are also holding nukkad meetings. “We are regularly holding nukkad meetings. I start at 8am and continue campaigning till 8pm,” said Gurminder Singh Lalli, improvement trust chairman who is contesting as a Congress candidate from ward 2. He said his priorities include better roads, proper sewerage, drinking water and sanitation. The Congress candidate has opened two offices in the ward.
Election activity has hit feverish pitch in Jagraon as well. Its MC has the third highest number of wards, that is, 23.
Your attention, please
Parties are using all tricks in the book to grab maximum eyeballs. Posters have been pasted on government as well as private properties. Electricity poles and trees have also not been spared. Festoons of party flags have been lining streets and posters and flex boards have been installed in crowded market areas.