Independents spell out agenda

Standing up for Ashiana neighbours
PANCHKULA: Vijay Barar, a cab driver, hopes to make it to the Vidhan Sabha this time. Barar lives in a flat in Ashiana Society, which the Haryana government allotted to him in a draw. While he says he does not have enough resources to spend money on publicity, he is quite optimistic. Earlier, he contested MC elections against current mayor Upinder Kaur Ahluwalia and lost.
As for his primary agenda, Barar wants authorities to stick to the actual installment for their flats, fixed at the time of allotment. "I have fought a long battle against atrocities which Ashiana people have been facing for a long time. When these flats were allotted to us, Rs 720 was fixed as our installment for the flat but for the past several months, we have been forced to pay Rs 1,803 by the local administration. This is too heavy for most residents. We have to pay this amount for 20 years but corrupt leaders are forcing their orders on us", said Barar.
His other agenda includes construction of roads outside the five Ashiana Societies in the district. "People avoid coming to our area as roads are in terrible condition. These politicians visit us only in the elections and disappear afterwards. I want to stand for the rights of the poor as I belong to this place".
Box:
Resident: Ashiana Society, Sector 20
Occupation: Taxi Driver
Symbol: Candle
She is committed to women's empowerment
The sole woman candidate in Panchkula reiterates her commitment to improve the status of women in the country. Sonia Gaur, an advocate in the Panchkula district court, has women's safety and empowerment on top of her agenda. She is contesting elections for the first time.
Sonia was earlier associated with AAP but has decided to contest as an independent. "I want to bring about a change in the condition of women. People should understand that no country can develop if women are not respected. If given a chance, I will take care of women's safety in Panchkula", she said.
She also wants to check corruption, generate employment and end nepotism. "I think the only way to improve our system is to end nepotism. I feel depressed to see unemployed youth and will work for them", she said.
Tile (one more to come):
Name: Sonia Gaur
Resident : Sector 26
Occupation: Advocate
Symbol: Sewing Machine
Retired Army man wants to flush out corruption
Hem Singh is a 54-year-old ex serviceman retired as Subedar from the Indian Army. A first time contestant, Singh wants to check corruption in the political system. He attributes poor development in the periphery of the city to corrupt officials. "Look at the way the city is developing in Panchkula but the peripheral areas are yet to receive official attention. This is because politicians live in developed areas and do not bother about backward places," he said. Hem Singh also accused officials of being imprudent in the use of funds granted. "There are enough government grants from the Centre but they are not prudently used by corrupt officials. I will work in the system and raise my voice against every corrupt officer who is destroying the roots of the country. Looking at the current dirty politics, I decided to take a chance to work for the people," he said.
Name: Hem Singh
Resident: Bataur Village, Barwala
Occupation: Former Army man
Symbol: Earthen pot