Villages in Ludhiana Boycott Polls Over Biogas Plant Fears

Six villages in Ludhiana boycotted the Lok Sabha polls to protest against an upcoming biogas plant. Residents fear contamination of water and air, leading to health risks. Bharti Kisan Union leaders have spearheaded the protest, which has been ongoing for 32 days.

In a dramatic turn of events, six villages in Ludhiana abstained from voting in the Lok Sabha polls on Saturday, citing concerns over a proposed biogas plant. The residents believe the plant will contaminate groundwater and air, posing severe health risks.

Bhundri, Gajipur, Ghungrali Rajputan, Kishangarh, Nawan Pind, and Mushkadbad are the villages that chose not to participate in the seventh phase of the elections. Leading the charge are Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Dakaunda) leaders Jagtar Singh and Inderjeet Singh Dhulewal, who have been at the forefront of this 32-day-long protest.

The villagers insist they will continue their agitation until the construction of the biogas plant is halted. Polling for 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab took place on Saturday, making this boycott a significant statement.