E-Paper
MLA report cards: Randeep Singh and Balbir Singh Sidhu
Hindustan Times takes a look at Punajb MLAs and their performance:
Randeep Singh,50, Congress
Constituency: Almoh
Education: Graduate (BBA)
Assets declared in last polls: Rs 7.9 cr
Electoral record
2012: Defeated SAD’s Jagdeep Singh Cheema by margin of 2,528 votes
2007: Won Nabha; Cong’s Sadhu Singh won this seat, which was SC-reserved
Assembly record
Question asked: 30
Call attention moved: 0
Power punch Scion of erstwhile Nabha royal family; three-time MLA
What next Likely to get ticket despite some opposition by local leaders
How he performed
Though he lags in attending ground-level activities of the party in the constituency, he managed to get funds from Congress MPs for rural development. He distributed around `3 crore with help from Sukhdev Singh Libra, Shamsher Singh Dullo and Ambika Soni; for construction of cemeteries, streets, and purchase of sports equipment. He claims credit for extension of limits of Mandi Gobindgarh municipal council, a sewage treatment plant in Mandi Gobindgarh, and a flyover and underbridge. A new bus stand at Amloh was built in his tenure. But locals complain that he remains busy with visits to Delhi and remains away from the constituency. As for bigger works such as revival of industry, he underlines lack of help from the SAD-BJP regime.
By the way
Loves sports, particularly automobile race
Voterspeak
He could not do much for industry, and there are reasons for that; but he stands by us whenever needed. He got a vehicle underpass approved on the highway, which helped a lot,” Harmesh Jain, 62, industrialist said.
He was not approachable and started attending functions only in last 3-4 months. Also, we are confused whom to give credit to for development work — the MLA or the state government?, Harvinder Lutawa, 25, shopkeeper said
Balbir Singh Sidhu,56, Congress
Constituency SAS Nager
Education up to BA-2
Assets declared in last polls: Rs 10.5 cr
Electoral record
2012: Defeated SAD’s Balwant Singh Ramoowalia by 16,756 votes
2007: Won from Kharar; this seat came up later in delimitation
Assembly record
Question asked: 80
Call attention moved: 2
Power punch Close to Capt Amarinder now; has deep pockets
What next Remains a strong contender to again get ticket
How he performed
Sidhu has remained in the opposition for two terms now, which is a major constraint in getting work done in his segment. But, owing to his work and connect at the grassroots in SAS Nagar (Mohali), he has not got much flak for lack of development. He is seen attending cremations and bhog functions irrespective of whether or not he knew the person or the family. He has been regular in distributing shoes and uniform to schoolchildren. This year, he even distributed cloth for salwar-kameez to all unmarried women of his constituency on Raksha Bandhan. Unlike many other politicians, he answers his mobile phone himself mostly. He also played a significant role in making Kulwant Singh the mayor of SAS Nagar, though Kulwant is now back with the SAD.
By the way
Strict about morning walk to stay fit
Voterspeak
SAS Nagar has seen development but as part of government projects. The MLA, being from opposition, has not been able to do much. But he remains quite accessible,” Rakhi, 32, chartered accountant said.
People can approach the MLA with even minor issues and he goes out of the way to redress them. He has been working well in villages and makes it a point to be present at time of grief,” Vinod Kumar, 35, contractor said.
