Phagwara is bracing for tension as the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Doaba) has threatened to block all roads leading to the venue of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's Lok Milni scheduled for Thursday at Gandhi Chowk. The farmers are demanding payment of pending sugarcane dues amounting to Rs 28 crore from the Phagwara sugar mill.
BKU's Ultimatum
BKU (Doaba) president Manjit Singh Rai went live on his Facebook page on Wednesday, stating that minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian had promised that the dues would be cleared by April 30, 2024, but no progress has been made. He warned, "We will not only boycott his Lok Milni, but also block his passage from all routes if he does not discuss the issue with us ahead of his event."
The threat has put the police and intelligence teams on high alert to ensure a clear passage for the Chief Minister.
SAD's Political Pressure
Meanwhile, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has also upped the ante. SAD Phagwara Urban constituency in-charge Ranjit Singh Khurana urged CM Mann to fulfill the long-pending promise of granting district status to Phagwara. He claimed that despite repeated assurances, no concrete step has been taken.
Khurana alleged that during the Chief Minister's recent visit, Mann said the demand had only recently come to his notice, despite being raised during elections. He warned that voters would respond in the next Assembly elections if the demand continues to be ignored.
Development Grievances
SAD Phagwara Rural constituency in-charge Rajinder Singh Chandi criticized the state government for incomplete development projects. He highlighted that the construction of a sports stadium in Phagwara is pending, the Civil Hospital requires urgent attention, and waterlogging in major city markets during the rainy season remains a problem. He also expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of court complex buildings and lack of proper public toilet facilities.
Preparations for CM's Visit
This is the first visit of the CM since the appointment of Hoshiarpur MP Dr Raj Kumar Chabbewal as the halqa in-charge of Phagwara. Massive preparations are underway. SSP Kapurthala Gaurav Toora, Additional Deputy Commissioner Randeep Singh Heer, and others reviewed the arrangements at the venue. Mayor Rampal Uppal and Phagwara Improvement Trust Chairman Jarnail Nangal are expected to attend the event.
