 Early Times Report
Jammu, Sept 7: In a tightly fought electoral contest that underscored the vibrancy of grassroots democracy among transport workers, Ashwani Singh Joni Chib was elected president of the Tata Magic Maxi Cab Association for the Kunjwani–Sidhra via Narwal route. He clinched the post by a slender margin of 11 votes, defeating his closest rival, Ashok Singh Kala, in an election that drew 81 registered voters from the operator community. Chib secured 46 votes, while Kala put up a strong challenge, reflecting the divided but enthusiastic support base across the route.
The election, held under the banner of the All Jammu and Kashmir Transport Welfare Association (AJKTWA), was conducted in a disciplined and peaceful atmosphere, with active participation from drivers, route operators, and stakeholders. Given the significance of the Kunjwani–Sidhra corridor, which connects key points of Jammu city via Narwal and is one of the busiest stretches for Tata Magic operators, the outcome carried notable weight for drivers’ welfare and day-to-day representation. Authorities took special care to ensure that the democratic process remained fair and transparent. The polling exercise unfolded under the direct supervision of AJKTWA leaders, with chairman Karan Singh Wazir, president Vijay Singh Chib, and working president Bharat Bhushan overseeing every stage. Secretary Sanjeev Choudhary played a central role in coordinating logistics, ensuring compliance with election rules, and addressing procedural concerns raised during the polling hours. The presence of key senior members such as Raj Kumar Choudhary, Jagattar Singh, Nadeem Choudhary, and Vijay Dogra lent credibility to the process, reinforcing confidence among the electorate.
Security arrangements were stringent, with police deployment throughout the day to avert any law-and-order disturbances. The disciplined behavior of voters and the cooperative spirit displayed by the candidates allowed the election to progress without incident. Both participants and observers praised the professional conduct of the polling, highlighting it as an example of democratic accountability within the transport sector.
Following his victory, Ashwani Singh Joni Chib expressed gratitude to the drivers and supporters who entrusted him with the responsibility of representing their interests. In his remarks, he thanked the AJKTWA leadership, election organizers, and law enforcement authorities for ensuring a smooth and impartial election. Chib pledged to work for the welfare of drivers and emphasized the importance of unity within the association to address collective challenges. |
