MLA report card: KD Bhandari and Manoranjan Kalia
Hindustan Times takes a look at Punjab MLAs and their performance:
KD Bhandari, 49, BJP
Constituency: Jalandhar-north
Education: Graduate
Assets declared in last polls: Rs 1.7 cr
Electoral record
2012: Defeated Congress candidate Avtar Henry by 1,703 votes
2007: Defeated Congress candidate Avtar Henry by 4,929 votes
Assembly record
Questions asked: 2
Call attention moved: 0
Power punch Close to the deputy CM, he was made CPS too
What next Likely to get the ticket again on back of clout, work
How he performed
He had a major say in the government and managed to bring many development projects to his constituency. Even in the Smart City plan, a multi-purpose sports stadium and sports hub at Burlton Park found a place. Though that’s yet to be implemented, Bhandari has started taking credit. His other big achievement is construction of a railway underbridge at Chandan Nagar, fulfilling a 30-year-old demand. As he is seen as godfather of mayor Sunil Jyoti, Bhandari managed to give special aid for basic civic works. He enjoys a good reputation among the electorate of his area, but he got embroiled in a controversy after he was accused of bungling of funds related to construction of the Suranussi road.
By the way Wrestling fan, regularly goes to akhara
Voterspeak
“Development did take place but corruption is high. The mayor, a friend of the MLA, enjoys undue freedom. The MLA’s own performance is good,” Varinder Mohan, 63, retd govt employee, said.
“The MLA solved the water shortage problem. Traffic jams also eased with construction of an underbridge. He listens to grievances of the people patiently,” Shankey Sehgal, 26, industrialist, said.
Manoranjan Kalia, 58, BJP
Constituency: Jalandhar-central
Education: Law graduate
Assets declared in last polls: Rs 2.6 cr
Electoral record
2012: Defeated Cong’s Rajinder Beri by a margin of 1,075 votes
2007: Defeated Congress candidate Tejinder Bittu by 19,009 votes
Assembly record
Questions asked: 3
Call attention moved: 1
Power punch Former state BJP chief known for his aggressive style
What next Likely to get the ticket again as he remains popular
How he performed
This tenure as MLA was full of challenges for him, unlike his previous term when he was the most powerful BJP minister in the government. He could not manage a comeback in the ministry because of opposition within the party. But Kalia remained a fighter and kept on raising his voice to get a good share in development. He claims to have spent huge money on basic development works. He remains in touch with the public and is a hardcore organisation man. Because of his seniority, he has cordial relations with bureaucrats and used this for fast disposal of people’s complaints. From the Centre, he got approvals for two rail overbridges and a flyover for the constituency.
By the way Fan of Jagjit Singh, qawwal Aziz Mian
Voterspeak
“He has a vision and is a master of bringing projects. Though he could not become minister this time, I am satisfied with his work in the last five years. No one can be perfect,” TN Anand, 68, businessman, said.
“He paid special attention to sewerage in Rama Mandi that was ignored in past tenures. He still gets credit for the four flyovers and special funds when he was minister,” Aruna, 34, housewife, said.
On Tuesday: Jalandhar Cantt, Adampur, Mukerian, Dasuya
