The Gurdaspur civic body elections will witness a four-cornered contest even as the main contenders to control the 29-member House of the municipal committee (MC) are the AAP and the Congress.
The stakes in these elections, touted as the semi-finals, are high. Not only reputations will be at stake, but they will also set the tone for the assembly polls. This election will also help leaders to establish a grassroots level machinery to mobilise support.
AAP is being helmed by former MC chief and halqa in-charge Raman Bahl. He has also remained the Chairman of the Punjab State Subordinate Services Selection Board (PSSSSB) and the Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC). These are two of the most powerful state government undertakings after the Punjab Mandi Board.
The Congress is being led by sitting MLA Barindermeet Singh Pahra while the BJP’s district chief Baghel Singh is in-charge of the BJP. The SAD is being steered by old warhorse and former MLA Gurbachan Singh Babbehali.
The previous House was controlled by the Congress which, incidentally, had won all the 29 wards. By virtue of being the MLA’s brother, Baljeet Singh Pahra’s ascendency as the MC chief was never in question.
Political observers claim that “ruling parties seldom lose municipal elections”. Allegations of government machinery being misused in the recent elections were conveniently swept under the carpet. In Gurdaspur, too, the likelihood of political chicanery taking place is not being ruled out once candidates start filing their nominations.
The BJP is seeking to strengthen its cadre. “The response of ticket seekers has been overwhelming. In certain wards, there have been more than three candidates vying for the ticket. We expect to perform well and we will make ourselves heard,” said Baghel Singh.
Leaders want to control the MC as they gain direct access to the grassroots workers and allow them to influence voter behaviour. The ability to resolve everyday civic complaints positions a politician as the primary problem solver.
If the Pahras harp on growth and expansion done during their term, Raman Bahl’s initiative to bring back a part of the Civil Hospital back to the heart of the city from its outskirts where it has been relocated is being appreciated by the local populace. This one development has the potential to turn the tide in favour of the AAP, notwithstanding all the hard work being put in by the Pahra family.
