The Jalalabad Municipal Council election has become a four-cornered contest, with the Congress party striving to retain power in the civic body. The polling is scheduled for July 5 across 17 wards, where approximately 28,000 voters are expected to cast their ballots.
Historical Context and Key Players
Jalalabad, located in Fazilka district, was once considered a stronghold of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). SAD president Sukhbir Badal represented the Assembly constituency three times. However, the Congress ended SAD's rule in the municipal council during the 2021 election. A year later, Badal lost the Assembly seat to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Jagdeep Goldy Kamboj.
Now, the SAD is striving to regain its foothold, while the ruling AAP aims to secure a win ahead of the crucial 2027 Assembly elections in Punjab. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also entered the fray, fielding candidates in all wards.
Campaign Strategies and Leadership
SAD district president Ashok Aneja confirmed that Sukhbir Badal will visit Jalalabad on July 2 to campaign for the party candidates. The AAP's campaign is being led by MLA Jagdeep Goldy Kamboj. The Congress campaign is spearheaded by former Jalalabad MLA Raminder Singh Awla, who is working to ensure victory for as many Congress candidates as possible.
Awla stated that if his party is voted to power, the focus would be on tackling the growing drug menace and dog-bite deaths in the town. Meanwhile, the BJP is hoping to strengthen its organisational presence by capitalising on local issues. Firebrand BJP district president Sukhwinder Singh Kaka Kamboj is leading the party's campaign.
Security and Past Incidents
Fazilka Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gagan Ajit Singh expressed hope for peaceful elections this time. During the 2021 municipal poll, supporters of the Congress and SAD allegedly clashed outside the SDM office while filing nomination papers. Sukhbir Badal's bulletproof SUV was reportedly attacked with stones and bricks while he was inside the vehicle. At least four persons were injured, and reports at the time mentioned incidents of firing.
