Palwal fails to match progress

The segment is enveloped in unplanned growth. It has the potential to develop on the lines of Faridabad and Gurugram, but it still awaits political will, reports Bijendra Ahlawat

Palwal, which became the 21st district of the state in 2008, has “failed” to match the progress with its age. Enveloped in unplanned growth and rampant corruption in public places, the segment, which has the potential to grow on the lines of Faridabad and Gurugram, is still awaiting fruits of development. 

The constituency has its historic significance with locals identifying Palwal as ‘Apelava town’ mentioned in the Mahabharata, which was later restored by Vikramaditya. Besides, Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was arrested on April 10, 1919, at the Palwal railway station while going to Punjab against the Rowlatt Act.

Karan Dalal (Congress) is the only MLA who has been elected for a record five times of the 12 elections witnessed by this segment since 1967. He has been one of the two Congress candidates, who had won in 2014 in the district. He had defeated Deepak Mangla of the BJP by 5,642 votes. While Dalal has remained most vocal while highlighting local problems in the past five years, Deepak Mangla of the BJP, who is considered as a sure-shot candidate of the party in the upcoming elections, claims Palwal has seen tremendous development and charges of discrimination are baseless.

“Palwal was expected to be on fast track of development after it became the district 11 years ago, but it remains one of the most backward areas with poor civic amenities,” claims Mohit Bainsla of Badauli village. “With no higher education facility here, the youth have to opt for Faridabad or Delhi, a costly and time-consuming affair.” 

Ruing lack of adequate medical facilities, Baldev Singh, a local resident, said due to no trauma centre, accident cases and patients requiring super specialty treatment are referred to Delhi or Gurugram. The local civil hospital has been ill-equipped to provide treatment for serious ailments. 

Claiming that the city, of late, has been facing traffic chaos, Sanchit of New Colony said cleanliness has also been a major problem.

Legislatorspeak 

The past five years have proved unfortunate for the segment as it, being represented by a Congress MLA, has been discriminated against. Illegal colonisation and rampant corruption have impeded the progress. I have not been consulted over fund allocations or usage. — Karan Dalal, Congress

Oppositionspeak 

Despite it being represented by an Oppn MLA, development works worth over Rs 1,000 crore have either been launched or completed since 2014. Projects such as elevated flyover, sewerage scheme, skill development university, stadium, ROBs and power substations will soon be thrown open to public. — Deepak Mangla, BJP leader

Probable candidates

Congress: Karan Dalal 

BJP: Deepak Mangla

Total voters 2,22,956

1,21,732 Men

1,01, 223 Women