Mahesh Sharma
Reserved for the SC category, Payal is a historic town said to have come into existence about 1,200 years ago. Earlier, it was known as Sahibgarh after the name of Maharani Sahib Kaur, a Sikh princess and elder sister of Raja Sahib Singh Sidhu of Patiala.
Mainly a rural area, the segment has witnessed development during the regime of the Congress led by late Chief Minister Beant Singh Kotli, whose sacrifice fetched abundant funds for development projects in almost all localities of the region.
Incumbent Lakhvir Singh Lakha, a confidant of the Kotli family, has been able to get pending development works completed. He had to face criticism over allegations of shielding those involved in drug trafficking and trade of illicit liquor. Hasty and wasteful spending of funds without proper planning is also being alleged by the Opposition.
Refuting the charges, Lakha has dared his political opponents to have an open debate on all issues.
Past trend
Electioneering has largely surrounded the Kotli clan, once led by late CM Beant Singh. Representation of local leaders in panchayati raj and local bodies, including panchayats and zila parishad, has been a key factor in deciding the fate of Assembly poll candidates.
Electorate strength
Total voters 1,62,859
Male 86,331
Female 76,525
Third gender 3
Payal: Historic town awaits projects
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