Senior Congress leader and former Punjab Health Minister, Balbir Singh Sidhu, toured various villages to inform people about the injustices being committed against farmers by GMADA and the Punjab government. During this visit, he appealed to farmers, youth, and local residents to actively participate in the protest organized by the Congress Party on April 6.
Sidhu alleged that under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab government is completely failing and adopting a policy of forcibly acquiring farmers’ lands through GMADA. He stated that this government is focused on economically weakening farmers instead of protecting their rights.
He said that the current government is treating farmers unfairly through GMADA and that these policies are directly anti-farmer. He accused the government of acquiring land from farmers without proper compensation, calling it outright coercion.
Sidhu added that during the allocation of plots, priority is given to commercial families over farmers, clearly indicating that the government prioritizes profit over public welfare. He also questioned GMADA’s policy of charging extra fees from those acquiring plots near corners or parks, calling the practice wrong and demanding it be stopped immediately.
Sidhu criticized GMADA, which was originally established to provide affordable housing to the public, for now operating like a private company focusing only on profit. Addressing the people, Sidhu emphasized that this fight is not only for farmers but for the rights of all sections of society.
He warned that if people do not raise their voice today, the situation may worsen in the future. He praised the role of the Congress Party, stating that Congress has always stood for farmers, laborers, and the common people.
He assured that the party has consistently fought for the rights of the people and will continue this struggle in the future. He specifically appealed to the public to participate in large numbers in the April 6 protest to make this struggle successful.
Sidhu emphasized that unity among the people is the strongest weapon against arbitrary decisions and will compel the government to withdraw its policies. He assured that the Congress Party will vigorously raise this issue in the Legislative Assembly and make every effort to ensure justice for the farmers.
During his tour, Sidhu met people in villages including Sukhgarh, Nanu Majra, Maanak Majra, Mojpur, Bhago Majra Bhairopur, Raipur Kala, Taroli, Gobindgarh, Dheerpur, Gudana, Saneta, Dhelpur, Meedhe Majra, Gige Majra, Nagari, Chau Majra, Durali, Manana, Thaska, Raipur Khurd, and Mauli Baidwan, raising awareness about the issue and urging them to actively participate in the protest.
In conclusion, he said this struggle is to protect people’s rights and requires participation from all sections of society. He reiterated his appeal for people to come together, stand for their rights, and raise their voice by joining the protest.