Ever since SAD (B) president Sukhbir Badal announced that someone from his family would contest parliamentary polls from Bathinda, the city, once called the ‘Wild West’ of Punjab, has suddenly shot to limelight.

From teachers to farm labourers and from farmers to Anganwari workers, anyone who is livid with the state government comes to Bathinda for an “impact”.

SAD (B)’s Achilles’ heel, Bathinda’s newfound status has put the administration at the receiving end due to frequent visits of VIPs, especially the CM and Sukhbir Badal. “A lot of time is wasted in talking to the agitators to lift dharnas. Every other day, there is a protest here. Moreover, the issues on which protests are held are such that nothing can be done locally to address them,” says Bathinda Deputy Commissioner Rahul Tewari.

“Je Bathinde dharna maarange taan hi sarkaar nu sek lagega (If we protest in Bathinda, only then the state government would feel the heat),” says Unemployed Veterinary Pharmacists’ Union president Jaswinder Singh, underlining the need to hit where it hurts the most. The union plans to hold a protest in Bathinda soon.

“We will meet SAD leader Sikander Singh Malooka first and if our demands are not met, then a dharna will be staged in Bathinda,” says Jaswinder.

He adds, “The SAD(B), in its poll manifesto on page number 13, had promised regular appointment for veterinary pharmacists. But the party has backtracked from its promise.”