Migrants dominate Badhmajra colony panchayat polls

There are eight candidates in fray for the post of sarpanch in migrant-dominated Badhmajra Colony panchayat, having an electorate of close to 5,500. While the native population in Badhmajra village unanimously elected their candidate, the Badhmajra Colony panchayat saw an intense battle with high polling percentage.

Of the total candidates, five belong to UP, two are from Bihar and the lone candidate, Gurnam Singh, is from Punjab. All the candidates thought it prudent to publish their pamphlets in Hindi, rather than Punjabi, to connect effectively with the electorate.

Gurnam Singh, contesting with tractor as a symbol, said a major chunk of the electorate here are migrants from UP and Bihar. “No one knows how to read or write Punjabi. It makes sense to publish manifesto in Hindi,” he said.

Anju Rani, a sarpanch candidate, said, “Snatching, thefts, unemployment, drug menace and unhygienic conditions, along with drinking water supply and electricity connections are the main poll issues here.” Balongi, Jhampur, Behlolpur, and Jandpur areas in Mohali, which are dominated by migrant population, saw long queues of voters throughout the day. The majority of the candidates here were relying on Hindi in campaign materials. Locals said the migrant population is enthusiasticly taking part in the panchayat elections.