Bhawanigarh Municipal Council Gripped by Political Turmoil and Administrative Failures
Author: MCB News Service
Published: 2023-09-30T12:39:42.810Z
In the backdrop of the 2021 municipal elections, Bhawanigarh, a town in Sangrur Assembly Constituency, witnessed a fierce battle between the Indian National Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal, Aam Aadmi Party, and the lingering discontent towards BJP due to the contentious farm laws. Vijay Inder Singla, then incumbent MLA of Sangrur, served as the PWD and education minister of Punjab, wielding considerable influence in the government. The municipal elections gained heightened significance as the focus shifted to Bhawanigarh in the wake of the postponement of municipal elections in Sangrur due to legal issues.
The election day, February 14, 2021, was marred by reports of violence. In particular, a disturbing incident unfolded in a ward where Congress candidate Gurtej Singh and his supporters allegedly attacked Akali Dal candidate Gurmeet Singh Zaildar, who tried to stop booth capturing. Police intervened, arresting Zaildar, triggering protests by leaders from various parties, including Narinder Kaur Bharaj of AAP and Parkash Chand Garg of SAD. Amidst accusations of booth capturing, the results were slated for announcement on February 17, 2021. However, speculations of election rigging surfaced when the entire town experienced an unexplained power outage on the eve of the announcement, pointing fingers at the Congress party.
The results revealed Congress securing victory in 13 wards, Akali Dal in one, and an independent candidate in another. Sukhjit Kaur Ghabadia, the wife of senior Congress leader Balwinder Singh Ghabadia, was appointed as the president, with Menika Mittal as the vice president. In 2022, Vijay Inder Singla faced a significant defeat at the hands of Narinder Kaur Bharaj from the Aam Aadmi Party. Despite Singla's tenure as PWD minister marked by developmental initiatives, the electorate signaled a desire for change.
The political landscape in Bhawanigarh continued to unravel in 2023. Narinder Kaur Bharaj's induction of four Congress councilors, including Gurtej Singh, the councilor whom she protested against for booth capturing two years ago sparked fresh controversies. Simultaneously, allegations of wheat misappropriation were leveled against Balwinder Singh Ghabadia, leading him to claim political vendetta. Sukhjit Kaur Ghabadia's suspension as the council president in July 2023, over the premature signing of a cheque, exposed administrative lapses. Moreover, a grave accusation surfaced in August, as Harwinder Kaur accused Gurtej Singh and Iqbal Singh of employing casteist language and coercion during the council presidency bid.
The ensuing legal battles culminated in the High Court of Punjab & Haryana issuing a stay on the election of a new council president. The reinstatement of Sukhjit Kaur Ghabadia remains a contentious issue, leaving the presidency chair vacant and governance in limbo.
Amidst the power tussle, the citizens of Bhawanigarh bear the brunt of political vendettas. Pressing issues such as sanitation and the proliferation of stray animals are left unaddressed, raising concerns about the elected representatives' commitment to public welfare. As Bhawanigarh grapples with an intricate web of political rivalries, legal battles, and administrative failures, the road to stability appears elusive, leaving the fate of the town hanging in the balance.