With the elections to eight municipal corporations scheduled for May 26, political activity has intensified in Kapurthala where candidates and parties have begun campaigning over civic issues and governance concerns. The Kapurthala Municipal Corporation (MC), which comprises 50 wards, is among the key urban bodies heading to the polls this month.
The previous tenure of the corporation ended last month. The last election was the first after Kapurthala was granted the municipal corporation status. Before that, the city functioned as a municipal council with fewer than 30 wards. In the inaugural corporation elections, the Congress emerged victorious and formed the civic body, with Kulwant Kaur becoming the first Mayor of Kapurthala.
Ahead of the upcoming elections, Kulwant Kaur said her son would contest the polls this time. Speaking on the major civic concerns in the city, she highlighted issues such as the shortage of sanitation workers and garbage and waste issues.
“There are several issues related to the non-recruitment of safai karamcharis and garbage disposal that need immediate attention. These are among the biggest concerns for residents of Kapurthala right now,” she said.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) halqa in-charge HS Walia also targeted the outgoing administration over the deteriorating civic infrastructure. He alleged that the garbage mismanagement had become one of the most serious problems in the district.
“There are piles of garbage across the city and is no proper system or designated place to manage waste. People are facing serious inconvenience because of this,” Walia said.
Questioning the need for a municipal corporation in a relatively small district, Walia further stated that Kapurthala should revert to being a municipal council.
“Kapurthala is a small district. It does not require a corporation structure. A municipal council is more suitable because there are not enough funds to efficiently run a corporation here,” he claimed.
Walia added that if SAD comes to power, the party would undertake large-scale recruitment of safai karamcharis and clerical staff to strengthen civic services.
Meanwhile, BJP district president Ranjit Singh Khujowal also criticised the previous tenure, alleging that little work had been carried out during the last term.
“There are serious issues related to water supply, sewerage, garbage disposal and waste management throughout the district. Residents continue to suffer because basic civic problems remain unresolved,” he said.
With campaigning gaining momentum, all major political parties have intensified their ground-level outreach efforts to connect with voters and strengthen their prospects ahead of the May 26 elections.
