Jalandhar West turns into hotbed of politics, unrest

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, July 7

The Jalandhar West seat has become a hotbed of unrest since the announcement of the bypoll, with daily protests overshadowing campaign activities. Unions and organisations have consistently taken to the streets, voicing their demands and frustrations against the state government.

The constituency today also witnessed several protests as various organisations expressed their grievances against the government. Several organisations such as Punjab Pay Scale Restoration Joint Front, Meritorious Teachers’ Union, Punjab, Unemployed Joint Front and Computer Teachers held protests today.

The protests saw political figures stepping in to lend their support. Congress MP from Ludhiana Raja Warring visited the protest sites and assured the demonstrators that the Congress would advocate for their demands with the government. BJP leaders also expressed solidarity with the protesters, criticising the AAP regime.

The Punjab Pay Scale Restoration Joint Front organised a rally at Jalandhar West, accusing the administration and police of attempting to thwart their protest. According to front leaders, police raids were conducted at the houses of various leaders, with state convener Shashpal Ratul being detained and another leader Jagga Boha being placed under house arrest. Some leaders, who were to arrive in Jalandhar, were also reportedly detained by the Balachaur police.

The leaders argued that the government should address the demands of the employees rather than trying to suppress their voices. They warned that failure to restore the Punjab pay scale and resolve other issues would have electoral consequences for the government.

The Meritorious Teachers’ Union, Punjab, held a ‘Pol-khol’ (expose) rally, distributing pamphlets listing their unmet demands. They criticised the government for not regularising meritorious teachers in the Education Department despite their qualifications. Coordinators Rakesh Kumar and Dr Ajay Kumar issued a stern warning that if the state government did not meet their demands of regularisation and pay hike, they would escalate their protests.

Meanwhile, five organisations, including TET and BEd pass teachers under the banner of the Unemployed Joint Front, besieged an AAP office in Jalandhar West. They demanded employment opportunities in education, power and health departments. The protesters forcefully entered the AAP office, resulting in a minor scuffle with party workers.

Following this incident, the administration facilitated a meeting between leaders of the Unemployed Joint Front and CM Bhagwant Mann at his rented residence. During the meeting, CM Mann promised to address the protesters’ demands by convening a panel meeting soon.

Computer teachers also staged a protest near Narula Palace in Jalandhar West, accusing the Punjab Government of neglecting their demands. Leaders of the organisation accused the AAP government of following in the footsteps of previous governments by ignoring their issues.

The administration later organised a meeting between the protesters and CM Mann. The CM assured them that a panel meeting would be held in the coming days to address their issues. Following the assurance, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains gave his full consent to address their concerns, leading to the postponement of their protest march.

Demonstrators highlight demands

• The Punjab Pay Scale Restoration Joint Front organised a rally at Jalandhar West, accusing the administration and police of attempting to thwart their protest.
• The Meritorious Teachers’ Union, Punjab, held a ‘Pol-khol’ (expose) rally, distributing pamphlets listing their demands.
• Five organisations, including TET and BEd pass teachers under the banner of the Unemployed Joint Front, besieged an AAP office in Jalandhar West.
• Computer teachers also staged a protest near Narula Palace in Jalandhar West, accusing the Punjab Government of neglecting their demands.