Punjab Election 2017: Why is Ward no 6 of Maur Mandi in Bhatinda boycotting polls
The entire lane in ward no 6 of Maur Mandi, with close to 50 families, has decided to boycott the polls scheduled for February 4.
While election fever grips Punjab, ward no 6 of Maur Mandi in Bhatinda is filled with anger and gloom.
The lane opposite the DSP office of the ward is busy with people discussing Punjab elections.
People of the area told India Today that the entire lane with close to 50 families have decided to boycott the polls scheduled for February 4.
The families decided to boycott the polls after at least six people of this area were killed in an IED explosion. The explosion took place in a Maruti car during the election rally of Congress leader Harminder Singh Bassi's, whose convoy was about to pass by when the bomb went off.
While there was a political blame game between parties soon after the incident. The Congress blamed both AAP and the SAD. But the people here felt that the loss of lives was lost in the political blame game.
Neelam Mangla, one of the locals commenting on the decision said, "This is shameful and that is why are boycotting elections. What if we would have lost our own child."
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"Politicans should know why we did not come out to vote." she further adds.
"We want a fair investigation. We want a CBI enquiry. The family is gone but we want justice for them. I know the investigation has not happened properly," said another resident Yashpal.
Another young woman, Rishu Goel said, "There has not even been a sincere attempt to find out who could be behind the incident."
However, SHO Shiv Chand talking about the incident said, "We are ready for the polls. There is nothing to worry about."
The Assembly election in Punjab is going to be one of the most fierce battles of the state with the AAP and the Congress in a neck-to-neck fight, while the SAD-BJP alliance is vying for a hat trick.
1 crore 95 lakh voters will cast their vote in what is considered to be one of the most exciting elections.
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