Transforming Resistance into Support
In the lead-up to the 2024 assembly elections, various candidates from different parties and as independent, embarked on a series of pre-poll meetups with the residents of various colonies and condominiums in Gurgaon. These interactions were pivotal in bridging the gap between the candidate and the community, allowing them to understand the residents’ needs and issues firsthand.
I got an up close and personal experience with this pre poll campaigning with candidate Mukesh Sharma. Initially, there was resistance from some condominium RWA bodies to hosting these meetups. However, through persistent efforts and a commitment to dialogue, the resistance was transformed into proactive meetings. The motto of these gatherings was for the standing nominated representatives to get to know the residents and their needs, ensuring that their issues could be addressed in the future.
The meetings were both informational and fruitful, with the candidate and his team taking note of all points raised, regardless of their size. Mr. Sharma expressed his keen desire to make a difference in Gurgaon, a city riddled with civic amenities problems and security issues. He pledged to improve the living environment and standards for everyone, which resonated with the residents.
These interactions built a strong foundation of trust and support among the public. The results of the 2024 assembly elections were a testament to this, as Mukesh Sharma won with a huge margin, securing the seat of MLA for Gurgaon. His victory was significant, with 122,615 votes and a lead of 68,045, capturing 53.29% of the vote share.
The meetups were held in various locations, including DLF-4, DLF-5, and other areas. Some of the most notable venues were Central Park-1 on Golf Course Road, Hamilton Court, Regency Park-2, Windsor Court, and The Laburnum in Sushant Lok Phase 1. These condominiums, some of the most populous in DLF-4, extended their full support to Mr. Sharma, bringing him to power and giving him the opportunity to make Gurgaon a better place to live.
The success of pre-poll meetups by various candidates at a neighbourhood level, highlights the importance of direct engagement with the community. By listening to the residents and addressing their concerns, candidates were able to build a strong rapport and secure the public’s faith. Mr. Sharma’s victory is a promising step towards addressing the long-standing issues of Gurgaon and improving the city’s living standards for all its residents.
