Sirsa campaign finale: Kanda opts for grandeur, Setia sticks to humble ways
As the final day of campaigning for the Sirsa Assembly elections came to a close, candidates left no stone unturned in their efforts to woo voters. While HLP candidate Gopal Kanda brought out star power with a grand roadshow featuring popular artistes, Congress candidate Gokul Setia took a more personal approach, walking barefoot through the city’s markets, seeking blessings from the public. Kanda’s roadshow, though delayed, turned into a spectacle that attracted large crowds. Originally scheduled for 10 am, it finally began around noon, making its way through the bustling streets of Sirsa.
Kanda was accompanied by well-known Punjabi singer Mankirat Aulakh, Haryanvi sensation Renuka Panwar and Mumbai-based singer Shifa Rubi, whose performances energised the audience. The roadshow, complete with luxury vehicles and vibrant displays, moved through the markets as Kanda greeted the public and urged them to vote for him.
During the rally, Kanda expressed his deep connection with the people of Sirsa, saying, “The people of Sirsa have always trusted me with the responsibility to serve them and I have stayed true to that trust. We’ve completed numerous development projects worth crores, and I intend to continue this work.” He confidently stated that the massive turnout at his rally was a sign of one-sided support, predicting a sweeping victory with a large margin. Kanda also took a firm stand against political intimidation, emphasising that Sirsa, a city known for its religious harmony and brotherhood, would not tolerate such tactics.
“Fear and threats have no place in this city. Sirsa stands for peace and progress,” he said. On the other hand, Congress candidate Gokul Setia took to the streets in a different manner, leading a barefoot march through the city’s main markets. Setia’s march began at Hisaria Bazaar, where he was warmly welcomed by supporters who garlanded him. Walking with humility, he explained that he was walking barefoot as a way of seeking blessings from the people, just as he had done after losing the last election. “For me, the people of Sirsa are like gods, and I walk barefoot to show my respect and gratitude. I believe this time, the people are ready to bring change,” Setia said. Setia expressed his confidence in winning the election, noting the difference between his support and that of his opponents. “While some are paying people to attend their rallies, the people are coming to me of their own free will. This is a sign that the five-year exile of Sirsa is about to end, and development is on the horizon,” he remarked.
