Gurgaon: The Pataudi assembly constituency, with a voter base of 2.5 lakh, is among the 17 constituencies in Haryana reserved for a scheduled caste (SC) candidate. Although Yadavs form a significant portion of the population, the demographic landscape of Pataudi has undergone changes in recent years, primarily due to the development of new sectors. In the past, issues related to agriculture and farming were the primary concerns for voters in this constituency.With the emergence of new sectors and urban areas, however, development of civic infrastructure has also become a priority for the electorate.
Considered a stronghold of Gurgaon MP Rao Inderjit Singh, largely due to the presence of a substantial number of Ahir voters, the constituency is now set to witness a fierce competition between two major candidates — BJP’s Bimla Chaudhary and Pearl Chaudhary of Congress.
While Bimla served as the MLA of Pataudi from 2014 to 2019, Pearl’s father Bhupinder Chaudhary held the position from 2005 to 2009.
In 2005, Pearl’s father Bhupinder won the elections by defeating INLD’s Ganga Ram by a slender margin of 8,516 votes. Ram, however, won the elections in 2009 by defeating Bhupinder by a margin of 24,747 votes. In the 2014 assembly polls, Bimla won by a margin of 38,963 votes.
BJP’s Satya Prakash Jrawta won the previous assembly elections in Pataudi, securing around 44% votes (60,633). He defeated Independent Narender Singh Pahari, who secured 24,054 votes. Bimla was given the saffron party’s ticket this time to combat anti-incumbency rumours.
Ahead of the polls, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini on Aug 10 laid the foundation stones of 87 projects amounting to Rs 187 crore in Pataudi. The projects included a polytechnic college in Majri village, which will be built at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore. He also allocated Rs 2.5 crore for improving roads falling under the public works department.
Urban voters said they just want basic civic amenities and infrastructure. “Residents of new sectors in Pataudi are grappling with inadequate infrastructure and basic amenities. Builders collected internal and external development charges (IDC and EDC) but failed to develop the necessary infrastructure, particularly for electricity supply. Roads are in a deplorable condition. The absence of even a single dispensary in the new sectors is a significant concern for the residents, who are left without access to basic healthcare facilities,” said Lokesh Yadav, a resident of Sector 83.
“We have been demanding development of civic infrastructure, with the primary focus on roads. A prime example is the Malpura-Pataudi road, which was supposed to be widened years ago. Not only has the widening project not been carried out, but the road has not even been repaired, leaving it in a dilapidated state,” said Dharampal, sarpanch of Lokri village in Pataudi.
“In addition to road issues, villagers have been demanding better public transport facilities. We want improved connectivity between our villages and Gurgaon and Rewari,” he added.
Another villager, however, said many voters cast their ballot in support of candidates belonging to their caste or community. “Votes in many villages in Pataudi are caste-based. Who we vote for is primarily decided by the sarpanch. The Yadavs dominate this assembly segment, so Rao Inderjit ji has massive support here,” said Dhan Singh, who lives in a village near Pataudi.
“Pearl Chaudhary is a fresh face, while Bimla ji has prior experience as our MLA. Moreover, she has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to Rao Inderjit ji, as she chose to stay with BJP and continue working for its cause even after being denied a ticket in the last election, making her a strong contender,” said Rahul, a resident of Manesar village.
Credit Source – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/pataudi-voters-demand-civic-infrastructure-and-health-services-ahead-of-elections/articleshow/113861954.cms