CHAPTER XVIII

 

PUBLIC LIFE AND VOLUNTARY SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

 

(a) Representation of the District in the State and Union Legislatures

 

  Historical Background.-  Fatehgarh (or Sirhind) formerly a tahsil of  (Nizamat) district Amargarh also called Bassi (after the name of its headquarters) of erstwhile Princely State of Patiala was constituted as a district with the formulation of Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) in 1948. The Fatehgarh Sahib District of PEPSU was abolished in 1953 and whole of its area was merged in the Patiala District. The Fatehgarh Sahib was again made a district on 13 April 1992. The territory of present Fatehgarh Sahib District comprises mainly the area of erstwhile Princely States of Patiala and Nabha and a small portion of British territory. Prior to the formation of PEPSU, the rulers of the Patiala State never countenanced the political awakening among their subjects and put down agitation in the political field with iron-hand. The rulers of the Patiala State had always tried to keep their subjects insulated against the infiltration of any periodical ideas through various agencies. The rulers always disseminated, the philosophy of divine rights of kings among the people. No attempt was ever made to provide educational facilities to the people lest they should get enlightened and rise in revolt against their autocracy. Even the few citizens  of this  State who occasionally  purchased a daily newspaper to keep themselves abreast of the happenings outside the State were specially watched by the  intelligent  employees of the rulers and they were considered to be suspects and dangerous persons. Not to speak of any political organization, even the setting up of a social and religious organization in the State was banned by the Maharaja. The rulers of this State did not even give an opportunity to their subjects to manage their civic affairs, although in the adjoining areas which were at that time under the British rule, the facility of the Local-Self Government had been extended to the people.

After the formation of PEPSU in 1948 and later on its merger with Punjab on 1 November 1956, many changes have taken place. People are now enjoying the same political, social and economic rights, as had been enjoyed by the people in the adjoining areas of the  Indian Union. The facility of all Self-Governments have been extended to the people and they have been brought under a responsible Government headed by their elected representatives both in the states and at the centre.

The Government of India Act 1919, introduced representative Government  into  India, under the Act, the universal adult franchise had limited role to play. It was based on a high property qualifications. The franchise was also bestowed for special personal qualifications such as past or present membership of university Senate or Legislature. The franchise of Legislative Assembly was also based on property qualification and varied from province to province. This act did sow the seeds of communal representation  in the country by earmarking constituencies for the Muslims, and Sikhs, etc. It created bi-cameral Central Legislature and Legislative Councils in the provinces. The first General Elections under the Act were held in 1920 for both the houses. This Act was replaced by the Government of India Act,1935.

Under the Act of 1935, the right to vote was extended considerably. The women and the depressed classes were also made eligible to become voters. In this way, about 15 per cent of the total population of the provinces was enfranchised. It is, however, said that the Act only retained, the separate electorates for the Muslims, but also extended them to the Sikhs, Indian, Christian, Anglo-Indians and Europeans.

A bi-cameral Legislature was introduced in the Punjab. The Legislative Assembly had life of five years. The Punjab Legislative Council was a permanent body. One third of its members retiring every third year.

The First General Elections under the 1935 Act were held in January1937 and the second and last in March 1946. The second elections were delayed as the Second World War was going  on.

 

General Elections Held Under the Constitution of India.- The Constitution of India, which came into force on 26 January 1950, has made a clean sweep of the postulate of communal electorates and has substituted in its place common electorate for all adult citizens of India. Article 326 of the Constitution provides that elections to the House of People (Lok Sabha) and to Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) of every State shall be on the basis of universal adult franchise. Every Indian citizen, who is not less than 21 years of age which has now been lowered down to 18 years is entitled to vote, if he is not, other wise disqualified. Thirteen general elections for Lok Sabha have been held in the country upto 2002. The phenomenal success of these elections characterized by smooth progress of voting, is a proof of the spirit of the masses to adjust themselves to democratic way of life.

India, under the constitution, is a Union of States and Union Territories. The Constitution lays down that the members of the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) of each State shall be chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the State. The Constitution does not specify the actual number of seats in a particular State Assembly. It is fixed by the Parliament under the Representation of People Act, 1951. The Punjab State had bi-cameral legislature comprising Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) and   Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad), but the later was abolished in 1969 for effecting economy in State expenditure. Thus, from 1969, the Punjab Legislature is unicameral. Previously it consisted of 104 members, but its strength was raised to 117 in 1975. No person is a eligible to be chosen to fill a seat in the Vidhan Sabha, unless he is citizen of India and not less than 25 years of age and possesses such other qualifications as prescribed in the Representation of People’s Act, 1951, and also does not suffer from any of the stipulated disqualifications. In the State of Punjab 12 general elections have been held for Punjab Vidhan Sabha and thirteen general elections to Lok Sabha till 2001. All the general and mid term elections to the Vidhan Sabha were conducted smoothly, peaceful, free and fair.

 

First General elections, 1951-52.- After the adoption of Indian Constitution, the First General Elections in the country were held in 1951-52. As in rest of India, the then Fatehgarh Sahib District of erstwhile PEPSU for first time went to polls. Franchise was open to every adult not suffering from any disqualification.

 

Parliamentary Constituency

           

There was no parliamentary Constituency in 1951-52 in the then Fatehgarh Sahib District of PEPSU. During First General Elections the area of the district falls in Patiala Parliamentary Constituency.

 

PEPSU Vidhan Sabha Constituencies

 

           For Vidhan Sabha, there were 3 constituencies consisting of 4 seats  (one being double member constituency) in the area presently falling in Fatehgarh Sahib District, viz. Bassi, Sirhind and Amloh-Payal (double member).

 

Second (Mid-term) General Elections to the PEPSU Legislative Assembly, 1954.–The first General Elections to the PEPSU Legislative Assembly were held in 1951-52. Normally the assembly should have had a term of five years in accordance with the provisions of Article 172 (1) of the Constitution. The Legislative Assembly of the PEPSU was dissolved on 4 March 1953, by the President under Article 356 of the Constitution. The President assumed to himself all functions of the Government and powers vested in or exercisable by the Rajparmukh of the State. Para ( C ) (iv) of the proclamation announced that general elections for constituting a new Legislative Assembly for the State should be held as soon as possible after the Delimitation Commission had finally delimited the constituencies for elections to the Legislative Assembly of the State. The Delimitation Commission delimited the constituencies on the basis of the population figures of the 1951 Census. The report of the Delimitation Commission containing the delimitation of constituencies in the PEPSU was published on 15 September 1953 and the general elections to the Vidhan Sabha of the erstwhile PEPSU were held in February 1954. The number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the State remained the same i.e. 60 seats (36 single member and 12 double member). The double member constituencies were formed, under the provision to clause (2) of Article 170 of constitution to provide the representation to the Scheduled Castes.

 

                         PEPSU Legislative Assembly Constituencies

 

              Before the Second General Elections the Fatehgarh Sahib District was abolished in 1953 and its area was merged with Patiala District. In the area comprising the present Fatehgarh Sahib District, there were 3 constituencies to elect 4 members (one bearing double member) viz. Bassi, Sirhind and Amloh ( double members).

 

Second General Elections, 19571.- Under the States Reorganization Act 1956, the erstwhile States of Punjab and PEPSU were merged into one and the new State of Punjab came into existence on 1 November 1956.  This resulted in the amalgamation of the Vidhan Sabha of Punjab and PEPSU States and the strength of the Vidhan Sabha of the new State was fixed at 154 as against 126 for the erstwhile Punjab and 60 for the erstwhile PEPSU. This  necessitated fresh delimitation of constituencies which was effected under the Delimitation

 

1 Report on General Elections in Punjab 1957 (Chandigarh 1959) p 66

of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order, 1956, in December 1956. The sitting members of the respective Vidhan Sabha  became members of the new Vidhan Sabha of the new State till the delimitation of the constituencies was completed. The delimitation of constituencies was effected only a few weeks before the elections and left much less time for the extensive arrangements that had to be made. The period of conducting elections was fixed from 24 February to 14 March 1957. Voting for the most of the assembly constituencies was completed in a single day, or in a very few cases, in two days, instead of being spread over a number of days. The counting of votes was also taken up from the next day of polling.

 

Lok Sabha Constituency

            At the time of Second General Elections, Fatehgarh Sahib was a tahsil of Patiala District. The area of present Fatehgarh Sahib had no Parliamentary Constituency. The area forming the present Fatehgarh Sahib District falls in Patiala Parliamentary Constituency

 

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Constituencies

 

            The area now formed the part of Fatehgarh Sahib District had double member Vidhan Sabha Constituency, viz. Sirhind. The total number of electors in this constituency was 1,28,387 and it amounts to 2,56,774 total votes, out of which 1,28,304 votes were polled. Both the Congress candidates was declared elected from this constituency. The number of valid votes polled in favour of each contesting party was as under:

Name of the party

Total number of valid votes polled

Percentage

Indian National Congress

     76,436

59.58

Scheduled Castes Federation

     19,250

15.00

Independents

     32,618

25.42
Total

  1,28,304

100.00
 
Third General Elections, 19622.– A major improvement in the matter of elections in the State, this time was that the poll was held and completed in a single day, i.e. on 24 February 1962 throughout the State, except  in  Kulu  and Seraj constituencies, where on     account of the areas  being  inaccessible  due  to  snowfall,  the  poll  was deferred and

 

2  Report on General Elections in Punjab 1962 (Chandigarh 1963) p 86

held towards the end of April. Punjab was, thus the only State which had the distinction of having a single day poll both for the Parliament and Assembly elections. The balloting system of voting adopted during the last general elections was retained only in the remote and inaccessible Kulu and Seraj constituencies. In all other constituencies of the State, the ‘marking system’ of voting was adopted.
 In 1961, the Parliament decided to abolish the double member constituencies for the Legislative Assemblies as well as for the house of the people and as such passed the Two-member Constituencies (Abolition) Act (1 of 1961) for this purpose. Under the Act, the Election Commission was empowered to divide even double member constituencies into single member constituencies, delimit the extent, decide in which of them the seat shall be reserved for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes. As a result of this, one Parliamentary Constituency and 7 Assembly Constituencies were formed in Patiala District to which the present area of Fatehgarh Sahib was part.

 

Lok Sabha Constituency

 

            At the time of third General Elections, Fatehgarh Sahib (or Sirhind) was a tahsil of Patiala District. The most of the area of present Fatehgarh Sahib District was attached to Patiala Parliamentary Constituency.

 

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Constituencies

            The area which now formed the part of Fatehgarh Sahib District had only one Vidhan Sabha constituency viz. Sirhind. The total number of electors in this constituency was 72,273 out of which 50,930 cost their votes. The congress candidate was declared elected from this constituency. The number of valid votes polled in favour of each contesting party was as under:

Name of the party

Total number of valid votes polled

Percentage

Indian National Congress

   23,0 06

    46.53

Akali Dal

   21,733

    43.94

Jana Sangh

   4,714

     9.53

Total

   49,453

  100.00

 

Fourth General Elections, 19673.- The general elections held in 1967  were  the  fourth  in  the  country  and  the  first in the new State of

3 Report on general Elections in Punjab 1967 (Chandigarh 1968), p       85

Punjab, which came into being after the reorganisation of State on 1 November 1966. Consequently, the constituencies delimited in 1965 were subjected to fresh delimitation, as notified by the Delimitation Commission in November 1966. By this order, the area which now forms part of Fatehgarh Sahib District was provided 2 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies. As at the time of the fourth general elections, the poll throughout the State was held on a single day i.e. 19 February 1967.

 

Lok Sabha Constituency

     

            During the Fourth General Elections, the area of present Fatehgarh Sahib District was part of  Patiala Parliamentary Constituency.

 

Vidhan Sabha Constituencies

 

The area which now forms part of Fatehgarh Sahib District had 2 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies (including one reserved for Scheduled Castes) viz. Sirhind and Amloh (SC). From these constituencies 1 Congress and 1 Akali Dal (Master) candidates were declared elected. The total number of electors in these two constituencies was 1,26,307 and total number of votes polled were 87,475.

The total number of valid votes polled in favour of each contesting party was as under :

 

Name of the party

Total number of valid votes polled

Percentage

Akali Dal (Sant Group)                    

25,174

              30.12                                         

Congress

          24,172     

   28.92

Akali Dal (Master Group)

18,498

   22.13

Jan Sangh

98,04

   11.73

Independents

4,744

     5.67

 Swatantra

    733

     0.87

Republic

     438

     0.56

Total

83,563

100.00

 

            Mid-term Poll, 19694.- The party position, after the Fourth General  Elections  was  such   that no single political party had absolute majority in the Vidhan Sabha of 104 members. Some of the political parties, namely, Akali Dal (sant group), the Jan Sangh, the Republican

4 Report on mid-term Elections to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha 1969 (Chandigarh 1971) p 67

Party and the Right Communists joined together to form the United Front which staked its claim to form the Government. The United Front Government assumed office on 8 March 1967. After some time, a game of defections started and the Government became unstable. Some members of the ruling United Front formed a new group and also a new Government on 24 November 1967 with the support of the Congress Legislative Party and some independents. The relationship between the ministry and its main supporter (the Congress) did not, however, remain smooth for long and ultimately it withdrew its support from the ministry, which had then to resign. As a result, a situation was created in which no single party or workable alliance of parties could provide a stable Government. In the circumstances, on the recommendation of the Governor, Punjab, President’s Rule was proclaimed in the State from 23 August 1968. Thus, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha constituted in 1967 stood dissolved, necessitating a mid-term general election to constitute a new Vidhan Sabha. The poll throughout the State was held on a single day i.e. 9 February 1969

During the mid-term general elections also, the area which now forms Fatehgarh Sahib District had 2 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies (including one reserved for Scheduled Castes) viz. Sirhind and Amloh (SC). From these constituencies both the Akali Dal candidates were declared elected. The total number of electors was 1,36,340 and total votes polled were 95,679. The total number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under:

 

Name of the party

Total number of valid votes polled

Percentage

Akali Dal

52,451

56.19

Indian National Congress                     

32,344

34.65

Independents

   2,494

  2.67

Bhartya Jan Sangh

  4,761

  5.10

Republic Party of India

1,085

  1.16

 Prajatantric Janta Party

   197

  0.23

Total

93,332

100.00

 

            Fifth General Elections to the Lok Sabha, 1971.– The Fifth General Elections to the Lok Sabha  were held in the country in March, 1971. The present area of Fatehgarh Sahib had no parliamentary constituency. Its area was attached to Patiala Parliamentary Constituency.

 

            Fifth General Elections to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 19725.- These elections were result of the premature dissolution of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha constituted in March 1969. It was the second time after the reorganization of the Punjab in 1966 that the President’s Rule was imposed on the State. Fifth General Elections were held during emergency, which was declared due to Indo-Pakistan conflict in 1971. The preparation for the conduct of fresh general elections had, therefore, to be made under the shadow of emergency. The polls throughout the State were held on a single day on 11 March 1972 and counting was completed on 13 March. The election was held under the marking system of voting. An additional feature of these elections was a new design of   ballot paper which was printed for the first time alongwith counter foil attached to it. There were 2 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies viz. Sirhind and Amloh (SC) in the area which now forms part  Fatehgarh Sahib District. From these constituencies 1 Akali Dal and 1 Congress candidates were declared elected.  The total number of electors in these constituencies were 1,47,052 and total votes polled were 1,10,791. The total number of valid votes polled in favour of each contesting party was as under:

 

 Name of the Party

Total number of valid votes polled.

Percentage

 

Indian National Congress                                  

48,432

44.78

Shiromani Akali Dal

50,713

46.89

Independents

4,423

4.09

 Bhartiya  Jan Sangh

4,569

4.24

Total

1,08,137

100.00

 

 

            Sixth General Elections to the Lok Sabha and Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 19776.-  The Fifth Lok Sabha was constituted in March 1971. Prior to the enforcement of Constitution (42nd Amendment) Act, 1976, the duration of Lok Sabha was five years. Thus, normally the Sixth Lok Sabha was to be elected in 1976. During the emergency, the tenure of the Lok Sabha was twice extended, each time by one year i.e. upto March 1978. However the Fifth Lok Sabha was dissolved on 18 January 1977 and a general election was ordered within  2 months, which   was  conducted  on  16  March  1977.  For  the  first  time,  since

5 Report on General Elections to the Puinjab Vidhan Sabha 1972 (Chandigarh 1974)      to 76

6   Report on the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Elections, 1977 pp. 110-111

Independence, the Congress Party was voted out of power at the national level and a new party, the Janata Party formed the first non-Congress Government at the Centre. The Janata Party was formed out of combination of four opposition parties, the Organisation Congress, the Bhartiya Lok Dal, the Jan Sangh and the Socialist Party. The Congress for Democracy also joined this block later on. The Lok Sabha poll throughout the Punjab State except Firozpur Constituency was held on a single day on 16 March 1977.

 

            The Punjab Vidhan Sabha elected in March 1972 was normally to last upto 20 March 1977. But due to the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution, its term stood extended till March 1978. The new Government at Centre had decided to call early elections in a number of

States on the plea that a climate of uncertainty had come to prevail in wake of virtual rejection in the Lok Sabha elections of the congress candidates in several States. Consequently, the Vidhan Sabha elections in some states including Punjab were held. In Punjab, these elections except Anandpur Sahib Constituency were held on 12 June 1977 and completed on the same day.

 

            The election was held under the marking system of voting and ballot paper with counterfoil was used. The elections to the Lok Sabha and Punjab Vidhan Sabha were held as the constituencies declared delimited by the Delimitation Commission’s order No.41 of 24 May 1975. According to it, there was no change made in the Lok Sabha constituencies, but the number of Punjab Vidhan Sabha constituencies was raised from 104 to 117 in the State

 

Lok Sabha constituency

 

            The area which now forms the part of the present Fatehgarh Sahib District had no Parliamentary Constituency. The area of the District was attached to the Ropar Parliamentary Constituency.

 

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Constituencies

 

The area of present Fatehgarh Sahib District had 2 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies viz. Sirhind and Amloh (SC). The total number of electors in these constituencies were 1,68,386 and total number of votes polled  were  1,15,342.  From  these  constituencies  both  the   Akali Dal

 

candidates were declared elected. The number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under:

 

Name of the Party

Total number of valid votes polled

Percentage

Shiromani Akali Dal

   55,471

54.53

Indian National Congress

   40,262

39.58

Independents

     2,990

  5.89

Total

1,13,900

100.00

 

 

Seventh (Mid-term) General Elections, 19807.– The Janata Government formed in 1977 did not remain stable. As the party had been formed with the merger of four major political parties. Its members reverted to their previous loyalties. This led to differences within the Janata Party resulting in defection by many MPs who formed a new group, which ultimately led to the fall of Janata Government in New Delhi. The group of MPs who had defected from the Janata Party was able to form, a new Government with the support of Congress (I).  However, the relationship between the new Government and the Congress (I) did not remain smooth for long, with the result that the Congress (I) withdrew its support and the Government fell without facing the Parliament even once. The Lok Sabha was dissolved by the President under sub-clause (b) of clause (2) of Article 85 of the Constitution on 22 August 1979, but the Government was allowed to continue as Caretaker Government till the elections were held for constituting the new Parliament.

 

The Seventh (Mid-term) General Elections were held in the country on 3 January 1980. The term of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha constituted in June 1977 was due to expire in 1982. However, after the Lok Sabha Elections held in January 1980, which resulted in the change of Government at the Central level. It was felt that the climate of uncertainty had come to prevail in the State which were not ruled by the Congress (I). The Government at the Centre decided to go for fresh polls in such States, including Punjab. Accordingly, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha was dissolved by the President under Article 350 of the Constitution on 17 February 1980. The elections to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha were held on 30 May 1980 and completed on the same day.

 

7 Report on the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Elections 1980

Lok Sabha Constituencies

            There was no Parliamentary Constituency  in the area presently falling in Fatehgarh Sahib District. The area was attached to Ropar Parliamentary Constituency.

 

Vidhan Sabha Constituencies

 

            The area of present Fatehgarh Sahib district had 2 Vidhan Sabha constituencies viz. Sirhind and Amloh (SC). The total number of electors in these constituencies was 1,90,351 and total votes polled were 1,30,766. From these constituencies one Akali Dal and one Congress candidate was declared elected. The number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under:

 

Name of the Party

Total number of valid votes

Percentage

Indian National Congress

68,353

52.93

Shiromani Akali Dal

57,903

44.82

Independents

   2,907

  2.25

Total

1,29,163

            100.00

 

            Eighth General Elections to the Lok Sabha and the Punjab

 Vidhan Sabha, 19858.- The term of the Seventh Lok Sabha constituted in January 1980  was due to expire on 20 January 1985. Consequently, general elections were held in India on 24 and 27 December 1984 to constitute the new (Eighth) Lok Sabha excepting the parliamentary constituencies falling in the States of Assam and Punjab. Elections in Assam and Punjab could not be held at that time alongwith other States as the circumstances, prevailing in these States were not conducive for holding elections. With a view to eliminate any chances of litigation at a later stage, a new Section 73(A) was inserted in the Representation of the People Act, 1951, by an ordinance issued by the President of India on 20 November 1984.

            The  term of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha constituted in June 1980 was due to expire in June 1985. The President’s rule was imposed in the State with effect from 6 October 1983 and Legislative Assembly was kept in suspended animation. Under the 48th Amendment of the Constitution, President’s rule could have been continued only upto a period of maximum two years, i.e. upto 5 October 1985. Under the circumstances,  elections  to  the  Punjab Legislative Assembly had to be

8 Report on General Elections 1985 pp 90-91

held before that date. In the mean time, on the expiry of 5 years term the Assembly stood automatically dissolved with effect from 26 June 1985. The elections to the Eighth Vidhan Sabha were held alongwith the elections to Eighth Lok Sabha Elections on 25 September 1985.

 

Lok Sabha Constituencies

 

            There was no Lok Sabha Constituency in the area of presently falling in Fatehgarh Sahib. The area of the district was attached to the Ropar Lok Sabha Constituency.

 

Punjab Vidhan Sabha constituencies

 

            The area of the present Fatehgarh Sahib district had 2 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies viz. Sirhind and Amloh (SC). The total number of electors in these constituencies were 2,04,990 and total votes polled were 1,51,656. From these constituencies both the candidates of Akali Dal were declared elected. The number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under:

 

Name of the Party

Total number of valid votes Polled

Percentage

Shiromani Akali Dal

   85,529

 58.59

Indian National Congress

   50,347

 34.49

Independents

     5,831

  3.99

Communist Party of India

     4,259

  2.93

Total

1,45,966

100.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ninth General Elections to the Lok Sabha 1989.-The Ninth General Elections to the Lok Sabha were held in November 1989 excepting the State of Assam. There was no parliamentary constituency in Fatehgarh Sahib District and the area covering the present Fatehgarh Sahib District attached to Ropar Parliamentary Constituency.

 

            Tenth General Elections (Mid-term) to the Lok Sabha and General Elections to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 19929.- The elections to the 9th Lok Sabha were held in this State on 26 November 1989. The Ninth Lok Sabha could not complete its full term and was dissolved. The   President  of  India  issued  Notification  on  19 April 1991, calling

9 Report on the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Elections 1992.

upon all Parliamentary Constituencies other than those within the State of Jammu and Kashmir to elect members to the House of the People. The date of poll for Punjab State was fixed as 20 May 1991 which was later on changed to 22 June 1991 and thereafter 25 September 1991. The elections in Punjab was cancelled vide Bill No 156 C of 1991, i.e. “The Cancellation of General elections in Punjab 1991”. Thereafter the poll in Punjab State was held on 19 February 1992.

The Punjab Vidhan Sabha was constituted on 29 September 1985 but the President’s rule was imposed in the State with effect from 11 May 1987 and the Assembly was kept in suspended animation. On 6 March 1988 the Punjab Vidhan Sabha was dissolved and the Punjab State remained under President’s rule upto 24 February 1992. Thus Punjab State remained under president’s rule for a period of 4 years 9 months 15 days. Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections were held simultaneously on 19 February 1992. The results were declared on 20 and 21 February 1992. President’s rule was revoked on 25 February 1992 and a new Assembly was constituted on that date.

 

Lok Sabha Constituency

            There was no Lok Sabha Constituency in the area falling in the present Fatehgarh Sahib District. The Assembly Constituencies falling in the district were attached to the Ropar Lok Sabha Constituency.

 

Vidhan Sabha Constituencies

The Fatehgarh Sahib District had 2 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies Viz. Sirhind and Amloh (SC). The total number of electors was  in these constituencies 2,51,295 and total number of votes polled were 30,543. From these constituencies, both the candidates of Congress party were declared elected. The number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under:

 

Name of the Party

Total number of valid votes Polled

Percentage

Indian National Congress

10,737

38.78

Bhartiya Janta Party

6,981

25.21

Communist Party of India

2,640

9.54

Bahujan Samaj Party

2,334

8.43

Independents

2,117

7.65

Shiromani Akali Dal

2,080

7.51

Janta Dal

796

2.88

Total

27,685

100.00

Eleventh General Elections to the Lok Sabha, 1996. – The term of the 10th Lok Sabha which was constituted in June 1991 was due to expire on 8 July 1996. General elections were held in this State on 27 April 1996 in all the Parliamentary Constituencies alongwith the rest of the country to constitute the new (Eleventh) Lok Sabha. The results were declared on 8 and 9 May 1996.

No Parliamentary Constituency was falling in Fatehgarh Sahib District. The Assembly Constituencies (Sirhind and Amloh) falling in the district were attached to Ropar Parliamentary Constituency.           

General Elections to Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 199710.-There were  2 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies in the district viz. Sirhind and Amloh (SC). From these two constituencies, one candidate of Shiromani Akali Dal and one candidate of Congress party were declared elected. The total number of electors in these constituencies was 2,81,211 and total number of votes polled were 1,99,363. The total number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as  under:

 

 

Name of the Party

Total number of valid votes

Percentage

Shiromani Akali Dal

 

68,948

  35.57

Indian National Congress

       61,455       

         31.70    

Independents

       32,459    

   16.77  

Shiromani Akali Dal (Mann)

       22,103

  11.40

Bahujan Samaj Party

         6,809

   3.51

Janta Dal

         2,046

    1.05

      Total

    1,93,820

100.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelfth General Elections to Lok Sabha, 1998.-The elections to the Eleventh Lok Sabha were held in 1996 and it could not complete its full term and was dissolved on 4 December 1997. The Lok Sabha elections were held in the State on 16 February 1998 and results were declared on 2 and 3 March 1998. There was no Parliamentary Constituency in  Fatehgarh Sahib District.

 

Thirteenth General Elections to the Lok Sabha, 1999. - The term of the Twelfth Lok Sabha elected in 1998 was due to expire in 2003 after five years but due to unavoidable circumstances the Lok Sabha was dissolved on 26 April 1999. To elect the new Lok Sabha the Thirteenth

10 Report on the Punjab Vidhan Sabha General Elections 1997

General elections to Lok Sabha were held on 5 September 1999 in the State. There was no Parliamentary Constituency in Fatehgarh Sahib District.

 

            General Elections to Punjab Vidhan Sabha, 200211.-The Area of present Fatehgarh Sahib District had 2 Vidhan Sabha constituencies viz.Sirhind and Amloh (SC). The total number of electors in these constituencies were 2,80,259 and total number of votes polled were 1,94,877. From these constituencies both the candidates of Congress party were declared elected. The number of valid votes polled by each contesting party was as under:

 Name of the party

Total number of valid votes Polled

Percentage

Indian National Congress        

   81,042                       

   41.59

Shiromani Akali Dal

   59,161

   30.36

Shiromani Akali Dal (Mann)

   32,544

   16.70

Bahujan Samaj Party

   15,165

    7.78

 Independents                        

     3,443             

    1.71       

Lok Bhalai Party

     1,532               

    0.88            

Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal

        725      

    0.37        

Nationalist Congress Party

        625

    0.32

Rashtiya Lok Dal

        581

    0.29

Total

1,94,818

100.00

(b) Political Parties and Organisations

 A political party is a voluntary organisation joined by persons more or less sharing  common aims and objectives and seeking to gain control of the governmental apparatus with a general view to furthering them. In fact, political parties are the life  line of modern politics. These parties came into existence with the growth and development of representative institutions. These are no longer confined to democracies alone but operate under different political systems. But their role is far more extended in the modern day democratic governments. Political parties enlist widespread popular support for policies and programmes of Government. Besides formation of policies and programmes the political parties exercise control over the Government in many ways. In a parliamentary Government the ruling party takes charge of the machinery of Government and runs it in accordance with its policies and

11 Report on the Punjab Vidhan Sabha General Elections 2002 p

programmes, while the opposition parties keeps a healthy watch on the Government. Political parties also integrate an individual into the political system through participation, socialization and mobilization. Parties bring together sectional interests, mobilise diverse cultural and linguistic groups and held them within a common frame work.

In India, political parties both national and regional have been in existence for quite sometime. The adoption of the Parliamentary System of Government after the Independence, however, was a step to promote the reorganisation of party system on sound footing. Before 1947, there existed Praja Mandals in the Princely State of Patiala of which the most of the area of present Fatehgarh Sahib forms a part.

 

All India Parties

 

Indian National Congress.- This party is the oldest national political party and the most powerful representative body of the people of India. When the idea of the setting up of an all India organisation was in the air, Mr. A.O. Hume, a retired member of the Indian Civil Service, took the much needed initiative. He addressed a open letter on 1 March 1883 to the young graduates of the Calcutta University in which he made an appeal to form an association for moral, social and political regeneration of the Indians. The Indian National Union was formed towards the end of the 1884 and Mr Hume was made in charge of the same. About a year after the formation of the union, the delegates from all over the country met at Bombay in December, 1885 and the Indian National Union was renamed as Indian National Congress. Its first session was held in Bombay on 25 December 1885.

 

The objects of the Indian National Congress were: “the promotion of personal intimacy and friendship amongst the workers in the cause of country in the various parts of the empire; the eradication by direct intercourse of all possible race, creed or provincial prejudices amongst all lovers of the country and the fuller development and consolidation of those sentiments of the national unity that had their origin in their beloved Lord Ripon’s memorable reign; the authoritative record of matured opinions of the educated classes in India on some of the more important and pressing social questions of the day; and the determination of the lines upon which during the next twelve months it was desirable for native politicians to labour in the public interest.”

These objects of the Congress, however, changed with the passage of time. Since Independence, the Congress Party has been making strenuous efforts for setting up of a socialistic pattern of society; to raise the standard of the down trodden; to defend secularism; to provide basic requirements to the people and narrow the gap between the rich and the poor. In every election manifesto it makes some additions and alterations to the framed policies according to the changed circumstances and public opinion.

            There is a District Congress committee of Fatehgarh Sahib. There are also seven Block Congress Committees at block level, which are working under their respective Presidents, namely Sirhind, Bassi Pathana, Amloh, Khera, Khamano, Mandi Gobindgarh (urban) and Mandi Gobindgarh (rural).

 

             Bahujan Samaj Party. - It is a recognized national party which came into existence in 1985. Bahujan Samaj Party has been contesting election of Punjab Legislative Assembly and Parliament in the district since 1985. But party has not won any seat in any election. The main office of this party is at Amloh. But during election, party opens its office in all districts.

 

Bhartiya Janta Party.-It is a recognized national party which came into existence in April, 1980. It is in fact a revival of Jan Sangh, which was merged in the Janta party in 1977. The objective of the Jan Sangh was the rebuilding of Bharat on the basis of Bhartiya Sanskriti and Maryada and as a political, social and economic democracy guaranteeing equality of opportunity and liberty of person to all citizens so as to build up a prosperous, powerful and united nation-progressive, modern and enlightened, able to withstand the aggressive designs of others and to exert herself in the comity of nations for the establishment of world peace. Besides, pursuing the above principles and policies of Jan Sangh, the Bhartiya Janta Party is also thriving for nationalism and national integration, democracy in all spheres of life, positive secularism; Gandhian Socialism and value based politics. The party is of the view that moral values must be restored their place in public life and a new society on the basis of the values like tolerance, contentment, simple living hard work and brotherhood is to be build, it believes in building a society free from exploitation and discrimination. Politics is to be based on certain values and principles; only lust for power should not be aim. The party has accepted the concept of Gandhian Socialism after due deliberation. Gandhian Socialism regards decentralization as the basis of its political system. Gandhian Socialism is totally against State monopoly of economic power. Both communism as well as capitalism has generated a new kind of inequality, inhumanity, violence, selfishness, greed, unrestrained consumerism and alienation.

 

Communist Party of India.-The Russian Revolution of 1917 left a deep influence on the minds of the Indian youth and they come to believe in using revolutionary methods to solve the political, economic and social problems of India. As a result, many organizations came into existence in India, which were opposed to the methods adopted by the Indian National Congress for the attainment of freedom and favoured the adoption of new methods based on Marxist Principles. These different organizations assembled together at Kanpur on December, 1925 and formed the Communist Party of India. The party actively participated in the national movement. After the Independence, it became one of major opposition parties in India. The party enjoys influence among the labourers and small peasants. There was split in the party in 1964 and new party viz. Communist Party of India (Marxist) was formed.

 

Communist Party of India (Marxist).- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) was result of the split, which occurred in the Communist Party of India in 1964. It stands for communism and socialism through the establishment of state of dictatorship. State dictatorship of the proletariat in all its activities the party is guide by the philosophy and principles of Maxism- Leninism.

 

State Parties

 

            Shiromani Akali Dal. -Shiromani Akali Dal is an important regional party of Punjab. The party came into existence in 1920 as representative body of the Sikhs. During the Gurdwara Reforms Movement 1920-1925, it played a significant role in bringing about major reforms in the management of Sikh shrines and bringing them under the control of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. It actively participated in the national freedom struggle in collaboration with the Indian National Congress and emerged as vanguard of the Non-cooperation Movement in the Punjab during 1931-32. It emerged as full-fledged political party in the State during 1936-37 elections held under the Government of India Act, 1935. The party continues to function as religious and social organisation.

The party got split into two groups in 1962 viz. Master Tara Singh Group and Sant Fateh Singh Group. These groups reunited after the death of Master Tara Singh in November 1967. In August 1980 the Akali Dal saw another split. It was divided into two factions Akali Dal (Longowal) and Akali Dal (Talwandi). On 1 May 1985 both the factions of the Akali Dal were dissolved to  form United Akali Dal but Akali Dal (Longowal) did not agree to join it and  maintained its separate entity. On 8  May 1986 there was a split in the Akali Dal (Longowal), when some legislators formed new Akali Dal (Badal). In 1993, Akali Dal (Longowal), Akali Dal (Badal) and Akali Dal (Mann)  merged  into one  Akali Dal (Amritsar). But after few months Akali Dal (Badal) and Akali Dal (Longowal) separated and formed Shiromani Akali Dal. Mann group retained the Akali Dal (Amritsar). In 1994 S Gurcharan Singh Tohra quited the Akali Dal (Amritsar) and joined Akali Dal (Badal). Shiromani Akali  Dal again got splitted in November 1998 when Tohra was expelled from Shiromani Akali Dal. Tohra formed its own party in 1999 named Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal. But  in July 2003 the  Sarb Hind Shiromani Akali Dal  marged with Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal).       

 

(c) Newspapers and Periodicals

 

The newspaper and periodicals play a very important role in the daily routine of the people. Reading of newspapers has become a habit. The newspapers and periodicals now not only publish news on political scene of the country, these also disseminate international news. Besides, the newspapers also bring to the reader all kind of other information on topics as history, economics, sports, social, religious etc. These also publish articles of other contributors on various topics

Prior to Inpendence the area which now forms the part of erstwhile Princely States of Patiala and Nabha and the journalistic activities in this region was restricted. It was only after Independence that the publication of Periodicals have been started. The first weekly from the area of present Fatehgarh Sahib District was published in 1973.

The particulars of the newspaper and periodicals published in the district during the year are given below:

Serial No

Name of the Newspapers/periodical

Place of Publication

Language

Circulation

1

2

3

4

5

1

City Mall

Fatehgarh Sahib

Hindi

..

2

Sanyasi Shakti

Fatehgarh Sahib

Punjabi

..

3

Business Interpreter

Mandi Gobindgarh

Hindi

..

4

Gobindgarh Street Express

Mandi Gobindgarh

Bilingual

..

1

2

3

4

5

5

Iron Market Report

Mandi Gobindgarh

Bilingual

..

6

Kalam Di Jubani

Fatehgarh Sahib

Punjabi

..

7

Medical Ujala

Fatehgarh Sahib

Hindi

..

8

Prime Channel

Fatehgarh Sahib

Bilingual

..

9

Punjab Express

Fatehgarh Sahib

Bilingual

..

10

Punjab Weekly Loha Samachar

Mandi Gobindgarh

Bilingual

..

11

Punjabi Manch

Fatehgarh Sahib

Hindi

..

12

Sirhind Fatehgarh Today

Fatehgarh Sahib

Punjabi

..

13

RIMT- Journal of Strategic Management and Information

Fatehgarh Sahib

English

..

14

Dharam Vichar

Fatehgarh Sahib

Hindi

..

15

Music Express

Fatehgarh Sahib

Punjabi

..

16

Wahikar Yug

Mandi Gobindgarh

Punjabi

..

(Source: Registrar of News paper for India)

 

   (d) Voluntary Social Service Organisations

 

            The voluntary social service organizations are of very recent origin in our country. In the ancient and medieval periods there was no scope for these organizations as the joint family system was prevalent and caste system obviated its needs. All the members of joint family, the weak and the strong, the sick and the healthy, the employed and unemployed were all taken due care by the head of the joint family and so the need for assistance from outside did not arise. The establishment of British rule in India weakened the ties of social cohesion and made the people highly in divine. Besides, the western civilization as well had its impact on Indian life and leisure with the result being ancient institutions like the joint family and the caste system gradually began to fade. However, the activities of the missionaries to some extent filled the void created by the decline of these ancient institutions. They have, of course, rendered some significant public service in the various spheres of life. The missionaries opened schools, orphanages, hospitals and dispensaries and placed the trial for social work in the country. This may be said to be the beginning of the voluntary social work in our country.

 

            After the Independence, a number of organization entered in the field of social welfare. These organizations are run by the people and work for the people. The activities of some important organizations functioning in Fatehgarh Sahib district are given below:

 

General Welfare Institutions

 

Bharat Vikas Parishad, Sirhind.- It was established in 1989. It had 62 members as on 31 March 2001. The main objective of the parishad is to provide help to needy people, to organise eye operation camp, to distribute books among poor children in government schools. The parishad also helps to solemnize the mass marriages of the poor girls. Besides, parishad also organizes free plantation, blood donation camp, free medical check up, free driving licences and a yoga camp once a year.

 

Organisations of National or International Repute

 

There are number of other organisations of national or international repute which have been established else where, but have their branches in the district.

 

The Indian Red Cross Society, Fatehgarh Sahib

 

The Fatehgarh Sahib District Branch of the Indian Red Cross Society was constituted in 1992 under the Indian Red Cross Society Act XV 1920. Red Cross Society had 460 regular members and  460 life members as on 31 March 2001. The Deputy Commissioner, Fatehgarh Sahib as its President, now heads the Branch. The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Fatehgarh Sahib is its Vice-President. The important activities of Red Cross Society Fatehgarh Sahib is to provide sewing machines/tri-cycles to widows, needy and handicapped persons on the occasion of Independence day and Republic day. Financial help and medicines  are also given to the needy persons.

 

The main sources of income of society are collection from lucky bag draws, district relief fund, membership subscriptions, contributions, donations, fetes and cultural programmes ,etc.

           

                                                Lions Club

 

            It is an international organization, whose motto is Make Your Fellow Man Feel Needed. It is a type of brotherhood to serve the humanity at large. Its activities are dedicated to the welfare of needy and the poor. The various branches of the lions clubs functioning in the Fatehgarh Sahib District are mentioned below :

 

Lions Club Main, Mandi Gobindgarh.- The Lions Club Mandi Gobindgarh was formed in 1974. It had 35 members on 31 March 2001. The club organizes free eye operation camps, blood donation camps, immunization of children against polio. Free medical check up and provides financial aid to widows.

 

Lions Club Supreme, Mandi Gobindgarh.-The Lions Club Supreme, Mandi Gobindgarh was formed in 1995. It had 40 members on 31 March 2001. It organizes free eye operation camp, blood donation camp, immunization of children against polio. Free medical check up camps and provides financial aid to widows. Besides, the club had adopted Angal Vidya High School of poor children to distribute books and other related material of study among these children. The club also organizes to install reflectors behind  tractors and trollies for safety measures.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

   

Lions Club, Sirhind.- It was formed during the year 1981. It had 20 members as on 31 March 2001. The club organizes free eye operation camps, immunization of children against polio, free vaccination camps, provides books to poor students in government schools, tree plantation, road safety measures, to distribute blanket among the weaker sections of the society in colonies.

 

Lions Club, Bassi Pathana.-The Lions Club, Bassi Pathana was established in 1980. It had 27 members on 31 March 2001. It renders useful service for the welfare of the widows. It also orgainizes free eye operation camps.

 

Lioness Club, Bassi Pathana.- Besides, there is one Lioness Club at Bassi Pathana, which was established in 1987.

 

                                                Rotary Club

            The Rotary Club is a worldwide organisation with its headquarters in the United States of America. Its Motto is ‘Service Above Self’. It is a type of international brotherhood to serve to humanity as a whole in all walks of life. It serves the people at the time of need and during natural calamities. The following Rotary Clubs are situated in the district.

 

             Rotary Club, Mandi Gobindgarh.- It was formed during the year 1977. The club had 25 members as on 31 March 2001. The club organizes a permanent eye operation camp. It also has a library for poor school children to read books. Besides, club also organizes tree plantation, free eye operation camps, blood donation camps, free medical check up camps and  immunization of children against polio.

             

Rotary Club, Sirhind.-The Rotary Club Sirhind was formed on 29 March 1980. It had 40 members on 31 March 2001. It organizes free eye operation camps and blood donation camps. It provides help to needy poor people and distributes books among poor children in government schools. It holds free medical check up camps in remote area. It provides help to Dental Hospital situated in Hansali village.

 

Citizen Club, Bassi Pathana. -The Citizen Club, Bassi Pathana was formed in 1981. It had 23 members on 31 March 2001. The main functions of this club are to organise blood donation camp, eye check up/operation camp, tree plantation camp in rural areas to aware the people regarding AIDS and financial help to needy students.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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