Campaigning reaches fever pitch

Ranging from development to inflation and corruption, the campaigning for the by-elections in ward 7 is witnessing a variety of issues being raised.

The Congress is wooing voters claiming that since it's the ruling party at the Centre and in the city, development would be possible in the

ward if their candidate is elected. The BJP is talking about issues like corruption and inflation while the BSP is promising that the problems of residents would be addressed.

With just a day left for the by-elections that are scheduled to be held on Saturday, campaigning has also picked up pace. Public meetings were held at different places by leaders of all parties who have been present in the ward over the past few days.

BSP convenor Haffiz Anwar-ul-Haq says that the area residents have not witnessed development in the previous years. "No work took place in the colony and the residents do not have adequate facilities. The councillor who gets elected should be from within the ward rather than fielding outsiders. This would ensure that the people of the ward are able to get their grievances redressed easily," he added.

The BJP is attempting to strike an emotional chord with the residents. The party has fielded the daughter-in-law of the deceased councillor, Laxmi Devi.

President of the party's city unit Sanjay Tandon said, "There is sympathy with the family after the death of the councillor. The Congress has indulged in corruption not only at the Centre but also in the Municipal Corporation. The cancellation of the day market at Mauli Jagran by the Congress is another issue that is gaining prominence."

The Congress is promising development with the local MP being a minister at the Centre and the Mayor being from the party.

Union Minister Pawan Bansal in rallies addressed in the ward had stated that Congress had taken decisions to benefit the people including allowing commercial activity in the colonies and villages.

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