Vijay Inder Singla Joins Sanitation Workers' Protest in Sangrur; Accuses AAP Government of Betraying Women and Employees

Vijay Inder Singla Joins Sanitation Workers' Protest in Sangrur; Accuses AAP Government of Betraying Women and Employees

Sangrur 15 May ( PDL ) : Former Punjab Cabinet Minister and former Member of Parliament from Sangrur, Vijay Inder Singla, today extended his staunch support to the sanitation workers (Safai Sevaks) who have been protesting for their legitimate rights for over a week. Joining the protesters at their sit-in site, Singla termed their demands as entirely just and warned the Punjab government to stop testing the patience of these hardworking individuals and fulfill their grievances immediately. Addressing the gathering, Singla stated that sanitation workers are the backbone of society, performing the most difficult and hazardous tasks. He expressed deep regret that even in today's world, they are forced to take to the streets for their fundamental rights. Reflecting on his long-standing bond with the community, he noted that throughout his political career, he has considered sanitation workers as a part of his family and has consistently led the fight for their dignity.

The senior Congress leader reminded the current administration of past commitments, noting that it was through his personal intervention that orders to regularize 29 contractual employees in Sangrur were passed. However, he accused the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of utter failure in implementing those orders or even completing the service books of the employees. He further alleged that the lofty promises made by AAP to regularize all contractual staff were nothing more than a political facade.Taking a direct swipe at the government's unfulfilled guarantees, Singla pointed out that AAP had promised a monthly allowance of ₹1,000 to every woman in Punjab. He calculated that the government now owes each woman over ₹48,000 in accumulated arrears, proving their total failure in honoring their word. He lamented that the same workers who were hailed as "Corona Warriors" and showered with flower petals during the pandemic are now being met with cold indifference by the state. 

Reaffirming his commitment to the underprivileged, Singla highlighted his past efforts, such as successfully advocating for the removal of the one-kilowatt load restriction on the 200-unit free electricity scheme to ensure laborers received genuine benefits without hidden conditions. In a gesture of solidarity, Singla sat on the ground with the workers to share a meal (Langar). "These workers are my family and my real strength. Sharing a meal with them today is a sacred duty for me. I assure them that I will remain at the forefront of their struggle and will not hesitate to make any sacrifice to protect their interests," he said emotionally.

Concluding his address, Singla warned that ignoring the plight of sanitation workers is not only an injustice to the labor force but also a threat to public health as the city’s hygiene infrastructure crumbles. He urged the government to restore balance immediately to prevent the spread of disease and ensure that the workers receive the respect they deserve, declaring that the Congress Party stands firmly with them until their demands are met.