ASSESSING SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL'S PERFORMANCE AS FIROZPUR'S MP

A ground-level survey of the Firozpur Parliamentary constituency was conducted by India News to analyse the performance of Sukhbir Singh Badal, the Member of Parliament from Firozpur, and gather voters’ feedback about him.

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Firozpur Lok Sabha, nestled on the India-Pakistan border, has always been a significant political battleground. The Vagha border, falling within this district, adds to its strategic importance. The Fazilka assembly constituency here boasts memorial sites of martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, attracting visitors from across the country.

In the political realm, Firozpur Lok Sabha is recognised as a VVIP seat, and currently, Sukhbir Singh Badal of the Shiromani Akali Dal holds the position of Member of Parliament. Considered a stronghold for the Akali Dal, this seat witnessed the party’s victory in the 1952 elections.

Despite Congress holding control from 1957 to 1967, the Akali Dal regained its foothold in 1977. The subsequent years saw a mix of winners, including Congress, an independent candidate, and the Bahujan Samaj Party. However, since 1998, the Shiromani Akali Dal has maintained a consistent hold on the seat.

Development remains a pivotal issue in the Firozpur parliamentary constituency, but progress has been slow. Urban areas exhibit visible development, while rural regions still await substantial improvements. With a total of 9 assembly seats and approximately 1.6 million voters, Firozpur Lok Sabha has been a traditional stronghold for the Shiromani Akali Dal.

The entry of the Aam Aadmi Party has added a new dimension to the political landscape, with Sukh Bhullar expected to bring significant changes in the 2024 elections.

While the Akali Dal maintains its grip, winning candidates focusing on development have struggled to make a lasting impact. Elections often witness grand promises, but their fulfilment appears incomplete. Voters, guided more by party affiliations, consistently opt for high-profile leaders rather than emphasising development issues.