MP Sunny Deol’s absence from Gurdaspur riles residents
GURDASPUR: BJP MP from Gurdaspur Sunny Deol has become a rare sight in his constituency with his last visit being nearly two years ago and it is likely to get prolonged as there are no plans of the Bollywood actor to make the trip any time soon.
He visited the segment last time in September 2020 when he met senior officials to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and other issues. He also met selected people from the general public. This visit had come six months after his previous visit. However, he avoided reaching out to the public as the anger was brewing among the farmers against the farm laws.
Deol also did not come to campaign for BJP candidates and allies in the recently held Punjab assembly elections. In the entire Majha region, BJP could secure only one seat— Pathankot.
Though the saffron party leaders don’t speak openly, they are facing the anger from the public over his non-appearance.
Sukhdev Singh Bhojraj, a farmers’ leader from Batala, said, “This is open betrayal of the people who elected him. If he avoids visiting his constituency and meeting people to redress their grievances, he should resign.”
Panthdeep Singh Chhina, sarpanch of Chhina village falling in the constituency, said, “I liked Deol’s working style initially as he is an apolitical man and wants development of the constituency sincerely. No doubt his local office is doing a good job in the welfare of people and providing all kinds of help. Still, if the people want him to visit the constituency, he should pay the visit.” Parminder Gill, president of BJP Gurdaspur unit, said that being a celebrity, he remains busy but he does not let this become a hurdle to the works being done in the constituency.
Deol’s personal secretary Pankaj Joshi, who looks after the constituency in his absence, said, “He is accomplishing his responsibilities very well. He has already allotted funds to Gurdaspur and Pathankot for development works, provided various facilities and helped the people in various respects. ”