Will AAP Be Stopped From Selling Government Land at Delhi's Behest?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sukhbir Badal issues a warning against the AAP government's plans.
- Concerns over government land sales and potential corruption.
- Farmers in Punjab express their grievances over flood compensation.
Chandigarh, Oct 4 (NationPress) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal issued a stern warning to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, stating that it would not permit the sale of valuable government land for quick financial gains based on directives from its Delhi leadership.
The SAD leader, who launched 25 trolleys of maize silage for villages affected by floods in the Fazilka constituency, expressed disbelief that among the properties earmarked for auction was the modern fruit and vegetable market, a 12-acre establishment by former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal located in Mohali.
“The Mandi Board had auctioned off the vegetable and fruit shops in this market a year ago. The shops are operational. Now, the board intends to reverse the auction, jeopardizing the livelihoods of shopkeepers. We will fiercely oppose this,” Badal declared.
He criticized the latest initiative to auction government assets, which includes the Printing Press Colony in Patiala (8 acres), Printing Press Site (10 acres), Veterinary Hospital Land (2.27 acres) in Ludhiana, Sheron sugar mill in Tarn Taran (89 acres), and the PWD Guest House (1.75 acres) in Gurdaspur, labeling it as a sign of corruption.
“These properties will be sold off to favorites under dubious circumstances,” he asserted.
Badal emphasized that these assets belong to the people of Punjab, asserting, “They cannot be exploited to enrich the coffers of the Delhi AAP leadership.”
He pointed out that the AAP government is under scrutiny for its inability to account for the Rs 12,000 crore Central fund meant for the State Disaster Response Fund.
“It is evident that the AAP government has misused this fund. Now, they aim to raise even more money by liquidating government properties,” he stated.
Badal also visited flood-impacted villages of Sabuana, Mahatam Nagar, and Jhangar Bhaini, engaging with the villagers. Farmers expressed their grievances, claiming that the AAP government initially failed to assist them during the floods and is now withholding compensation.
“It is disgraceful that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has yet to disburse the Rs 20,000 per acre compensation he promised for crop damage. Farmers are in dire need, struggling to clear their fields of sand and prepare for the next wheat crop,” Badal concluded.