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.
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.
Numerous challenges persist in the Firozpur Lok Sabha, setting the stage for a crucial 2024 general election. As the elections approach, the public will undoubtedly scrutinise the performance of their Member of Parliament, setting the tone for a politically charged atmosphere in Firozpur.
Presence in Parliament, Number of Questions, Utilization of MP Fund, and Special Contributions are the criteria based on which we evaluate parliamentary performance. Sukhbir Badal’s presence in Parliament is approximately 21%, with only 16% of questions raised by him so far in favour of the region and the country’s development.
On the other hand, when it comes to the utilization of the MP Fund, Badal has spent nearly 81% of the allocated funds. In terms of special contributions to parliamentary activities, he shows a rate of about 51%. Based on these criteria, MP Sukhbir Singh Badal scores 1, receiving only 0.42, which is significantly below average.
The six questions asked in the survey have been answered by the people of Firozpur Lok Sabha without hesitation. Most people believe that the work of the MP is not visible in the region. The focus of the MP on development in the region is lacking. The public was not very pleased with the MP’s work, and they wanted to see their MP more active in the region because they had high expectations from him.
However, when it comes to voting, the voters in this constituency are considering options other than the ruling party. The Modi government’s work is appreciated by only about 30% of the people here. The voters are not revealing whom they will vote for. Based on the development in the region, the people of Firozpur Lok Sabha rate their MP Sukhbir Singh Badal at 7, with a score of 3.57, which is average.
In India News’ survey of Firozpur Lok Sabha constituents, the questions asked to the public align with our survey. It is essential to know the results. Seeing the ground performance of MP Sukhbir Singh Badal, the public here rates him at 1, with only 0.02, which is disappointing.
Parliamentary performance, ground performance, and India News’ survey provide a comprehensive view. MP Sukhbir Singh Badal receives a score of 1 with 0.42 based on parliamentary performance.
The constituency faces several pressing issues that have become focal points for the local population. One of the most severe challenges is rampant unemployment, reaching extreme levels and causing widespread concern. Additionally, the area grapples with the illicit drug trade, posing a threat to the community’s well-being.
The lack of industries exacerbates the unemployment problem, hindering economic growth and opportunities for the residents. Furthermore, there is a noticeable neglect in the education and health sectors, impacting the overall quality of life for the people.
The drinking water crisis is another critical issue, creating hardships for the local population. The surge in cancer cases has become alarming, demanding urgent attention and healthcare interventions. The halt in border trade and deficiencies in rail connectivity further impede economic progress.
The incomplete development projects underscore the need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to address these multifaceted challenges facing the constituency.
The MP was not able to resolve the issues of the Lok Sabha seat, which led to dissatisfaction among the people.
In-ground performance, he scores 1 with 0.02. In the social media survey, he scores 1 with 0.50. In our ground survey, the public rates MP Sukhbir Singh Badal at 7, with a score of 3.57. Considering all aspects, Sukhbir Singh Badal scores 4.51, which is quite below average, and thus, the public of Firozpur Lok Sabha considers their MP to be ‘FAILING’.
Despite the historical stronghold of the Shiromani Akali Dal in the constituency is evident, challenges persist in addressing critical issues that significantly impact the local population. The survey indicates that despite Sukhbir Singh Badal’s consistent presence in Parliament, questions about the region’s development remain unanswered, leading to dissatisfaction among the constituents.
The entry of the Aam Aadmi Party and the emergence of Sukh Bhullar as a contender in the upcoming 2024 elections signal a shifting political landscape, challenging the established order. Developmental promises made during elections, while grand, often fall short of fulfilment, prompting voters to prioritise party affiliations over the candidate’s performance on the ground.