Divided by politics, united by community service; villagers celebrate polling day

Much like the atmosphere that prevails during religious and community events, polling day in the rural parts of Panchkula and Kalka carried the aura of festivities as residents ate and discussed politics and village matters together in the open, despite different party preferences. Such a scenario was witnessed at Khatoli and Rattewali villages —two of the most populous villages in the Panchkula Assembly segment.

Khatoli, being the most populous village in the area, with 2,564 voters, attracts immediate attention. On Saturday, residents, mostly middle-aged and elderly men were seen sitting in tents, sipping tea and chatting away.

Middle-aged men — Sanju Rana and Rajpal Rana—just as they were about to have lunch said they were Congress supporters. Rajpal Rana said, “We were discussing how the BJP has failed to carry-out any development in the last five years. Therefore, we support the Congress party.”

Sitting under another tent, another aged resident of the village elaborated that the state government had done immense works in their area. “Look at the condition of the recarpeted roads and community centres in our area. These were developed by the state government during the BJP rule,” he said. Youths, meanwhile, assisted elderly women and others at the polling station, distributed eatables and played songs in their vehicles.

At Rattewali village, Sarpanch Vishal Sharma, touted to be one of the youngest sarpanches in the state, stood with other youths and assisted those reaching the site to cast their votes. The residents had organised a langar and ushered everyone to partake.

A few youngsters, some of who claimed to be the BJP’s supporters and others who raised a fist in support of Congress candidate Chander Mohan also stood together, discussing village matters.

Ask them a question about their party preference and they will ask if the visitor has had something to eat.

Sukhdev, a Congress supporter, said, “We all are sitting together. One may support a different party, but we hold no discrimination in our village.”