Senior Congress leader and former Health Minister of Punjab, Balbir Singh Sidhu, is visiting villages and raising awareness among people against the high-handedness of the government and GMADA, while also informing farmers about their rights. During this outreach, he appeals to people to participate in large numbers in the protest scheduled for April 6.
Sidhu said that the current government is committing injustice against farmers through GMADA, and these policies are directly anti-farmer. He alleged that the government is acquiring land from farmers without providing adequate compensation, which is completely unjust and arbitrary.
He further said that when plots are allotted, preference is given to commercial houses instead of farmers. This, he said, clearly indicates that the government is more focused on earning profits rather than public welfare.Sidhu questioned GMADA’s policy of charging extra money from those who purchase corner plots or plots facing parks.
He said that this practice is unfair and should be stopped immediately.He added that GMADA, which was originally established to provide affordable housing to people, is now functioning like a private company with a sole focus on profit-making.He criticised the land pooling policy, stating that the government is acquiring farmers’ land and earning large profits, while neither the farmers nor the common people are benefiting from it.
Balbir Singh Sidhu held meetings in several villages including Patton, Manauli, Rurki, Dharamgarh, Sekhan Majra, Kurda, Kurdi, Barri, Manakpur Kallar, Bakarpur, Mote Majra, Tangori, Nadyali, Matran, Siaoo, Kandala, Safipur, Jhiurheri, Alipur, and Jagatpura. A large number of people attended these meetings and pledged to unite for their rights.
On this occasion, villagers said that they will not tolerate any kind of forceful action by the Punjab Government on their lands. Their enthusiasm and unity reflected their determination to fight for their rights.They also expressed strong resentment against GMADA’s policies and made it clear that they will not accept any coercion regarding their land.
In conclusion, Balbir Singh Sidhu once again appealed to everyone to gather in large numbers at 10 AM on April 6 for the protest and raise their voice for their rights. He said that the Congress Party has always stood with farmers, continues to stand with them, and will keep fighting for their rights.