AAP MLA accused of obstructing construction of houses for poor people
Nabaz-e-Punjab, Mohali, October 10:
Senior Congress leader and former Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu has accused constituency MLA Kulwant Singh of deliberately obstructing the construction of houses on five-marla plots allotted to homeless families in various villages of the constituency during the Congress government’s tenure. He asserted that such harassment of poor families will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Speaking to reporters here today, Mr. Sidhu said that MLA Kulwant Singh, sensing his imminent defeat in the upcoming elections, is resorting to intimidation tactics against homeless families. “He is threatening poor beneficiaries, telling them they will not be allowed to build their houses unless they pledge their votes for him in the next election,” Sidhu alleged. “In villages like Kurra and Raipur, false cases have even been registered against these poor people, which is highly condemnable,” he added.
Mr. Sidhu further said that the MLA is misleading people by falsely claiming that the five-marla plots were allotted under the Aam Aadmi Party government. Displaying official government records, he pointed out that 70 residents of Baliali village were allotted these plots in January 2022, during the tenure of the Congress government.
“The Congress government had framed a policy on October 1, 2021, to provide five-marla plots from village shamlat land to homeless families,” Sidhu explained. “Under this policy, plots were allotted and were issued to the beneficiaries. This initiative reflected our commitment to the welfare and upliftment of the weaker sections of society.”
The former Health Minister accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of taking an anti-poor stance by not allowing construction on these legally allotted plots. “Instead of continuing this pro-poor policy, the current government is pushing these families to the brink,” he said. “Such actions by the constituency MLA against the poor will not be tolerated, and we will ensure every possible assistance to the rightful allottees in building their homes.”
