Lambi/ Bathinda: Ruling party Shiromani Akali Dal Badal activists and other people reportedly lodged protests during Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s “Sangat Darshan” programmes at various villages in Lambi area.
As per media reports, [a]t Singhewla village, MGNREGA workers raised anti-government slogans. They alleged that the local leaders did not allow them to go inside to meet the Chief Minister. As per The Tribune (TT) the protesters said they would vote for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the upcoming elections.
A File Photo of Sangat Darshan by Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal
Gurpreet Singh, who claimed to be a member panchayat of the village, said, “We are standing here since morning to meet the CM, but when he came we were stopped outside. MGNREGA workers have not got their wages for about a year. Besides, cotton pickers in the neighbouring Bathinda district have got Rs 2,500 each, but here they have been given Rs 1,500 each. We had come here to discuss these issues with the CM, but were not allowed to do so.” (The Tribune).
Another incident took place at village Hakkuwala village where Rani Kaur, wife of former Sarpanch Lila Singh sought action against the three persons arrested in connection with her husband’s death. Lila Singh who had reportedly died under mysterious circumstances on July 21.
When Rani Kaur did not get any satisfactory reply from CM Parkash Singh Badal, she raised the protest and villagers also blocked the road.
Meanwhile, two factions of SAD exchanged heated arguments with each other in the presence of the CM over the laying of underground water pipes in the village.
Later, at Mandi Killianwali, panchayat member Malkit Kaur held a protest, saying, “The cheques for house repair to poor are being given to those close to a particular group. Some genuine people have been deprived of the benefit. I am a panchayat member, but nobody listens to me.” (The Tribune).