Dirba: Victim of political tussle

Parvesh Sharma

When their MLA Harpal Singh Cheema became the Leader of Opposition (LoP) of Punjab, it raised the hopes of residents of the constituency of seeing some development. But the constituency failed to see any improvement despite repeated letters by Cheema to the government.

“There were celebrations when our MLA became the LoP but he failed to bring any development. He says he wrote repeated letters for pending works, but nothing happened on the ground. No one knows whether the LoP failed to take required action or the government deliberately ignored his requests. Our area has not seen any development,” said Jagtar Singh, a local resident.

Shortage of staff at Dirba hospital, village community health centres and government schools, and lack of basic amenities, including sewerage and water supply lines in many areas along with other basic amenities, are main issues which are troubling residents. “The Punjab Government deliberately ignored my letters for developmental works in the constituency. I have proof to show that I have written repeated letters, but majority of these failed to elicit the required response. My voters are aware about it,” Cheema said.

Past trend

In the last seven Assembly elections in the constituency, the Congress has won thrice, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) twice. Independent and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also registered victory once each.

Electorate strength

Total voters 1,72,684

Male 93,561

Female 79,121

Third gender 2