Former minister Balbir Singh Sidhu raised questions over the authoritarian attitude of the Punjab government and the rising menace of drugs.

Former minister Balbir Singh Sidhu raised questions over the authoritarian attitude of the Punjab government and the rising menace of drugs.

Ahead of elections, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is trying to mislead people by announcing a grant of ₹40 lakh : Sidhu

S.A.S.Nagar 4 May ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : The political atmosphere has heated up over the “Lok Milni” program held in Saneta village of Mohali. Former minister Balbir Singh Sidhu termed the event a “flop show” and launched sharp attacks on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and local MLA Kulwant Singh. During a press conference, Sidhu said that instead of directly interacting with people, the program held under the name “Lok Milni” was merely a formality. He stated that the Chief Minister kept speaking from the stage, while MLA Kulwant Singh stood smiling behind him but did not raise any important issue related to his constituency.

Sidhu alleged that the “Lok Milni” turned out to be a “Police Milni.” He said that due to heavy police deployment, common people were not allowed to reach the Chief Minister. “If this was truly meant to listen to people’s problems, then why were they stopped from entering?” he questioned. He further alleged that when a woman tried to speak during the program, she was silenced midway. He claimed that in Punjab today, anyone who speaks against the government is being silenced. Calling it against democracy, Sidhu said the government is suppressing people’s voices instead of listening to them.

He also stated that the government has completely failed in tackling the drug problem. The menace of “chitta” in Punjab is increasing instead of declining, while the government is limited to advertisements and photo-ops. Speaking on development, he also questioned the announced grant of ₹40 lakh. According to Sidhu, this amount is too small compared to the area’s needs and can be seen as a joke. He added that no clear announcement was made by the Chief Minister regarding the expansion of the health center built during the Congress government’s tenure.

Sidhu claimed that during the Congress government’s tenure, record development works were carried out in Saneta village. Funds were allocated for pond development, panchayat building, drinking water, streets and drains, along with grants for schools, community centers, and a ₹4 crore hospital project. He further alleged that the Punjab government has failed in every sector—electricity, water, healthcare, employment, and law and order. Farmers are troubled by power cuts, youth are unemployed, hospitals lack facilities, and people feel insecure. In conclusion, Sidhu said that the people of Punjab have now understood the failures of this government and will respond in the coming time. He warned that if attempts to suppress public voices continue, the Congress party will take to the streets and fight for people’s rights.