Regularisation of slums likely to be major poll issue in Shimla

The demands to regularize slums, sheds and dwellings for the poor are likely to become major poll issues during the Assembly polls in Shimla.

Shimla, Dec 5 : The demands to regularize slums, sheds and dwellings for the poor are likely to become major poll issues during the Assembly polls in Shimla.

"We will vote for the candidate who will allot houses in our names. We will vote for the one who will provide us facilities like regular water supply," said Aarti, a local voter and slum resident.

Considering the sizeable number of slum voters, candidates from all parties are promising to provide them the basic infrastructure.

Harbhajan Singh Bhajji, Congress leader of Shimla, says, "The Congress Government has always worked for the poor people. We always work for the settlement of the people rather than demolish their homes. We plan to construct many houses and colonies under the Jawaharlal Nehru mission."

It is believed that voters and leaders of slums will decide the fate of the candidates in Shimla.

The total number of voters in the constituency is over sixty-five thousand of which, over seven thousand are slum dwellers.

The term of the legislative assembly of the state will expire on March 9 next year.

In Himachal Pradesh, the first phase of election was held on November 14. The second phase of elections in the state will take place on December 19. The votes will be counted on December 28.

ANI