Congress Leader Demands White Paper on Unused VIP Helipad in Mohali
Senior Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in Punjab on Sunday, following a shocking revelation that a newly constructed VIP helipad in Mohali has remained completely unused. Khaira demanded a white paper detailing the total expenditure on the helipad, calling it a glaring example of political vanity overriding public interest.
Technical Flaws and Feasibility Questions
Referring to media reports, Khaira highlighted that the helipad, built by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) in Phase 8 near Vikas Bhawan, is non-functional because it falls within the flying zone of Mohali airport. This location requires prolonged clearances from the Indian Air Force (IAF) for any helicopter operations.
Khaira questioned the logic behind spending public money on such a project, asking, "If helicopters have to wait three to four hours and obtain multiple permissions just to land or take off, then what was the purpose of this expenditure? Was no technical feasibility study conducted, or was this simply another VIP showpiece?"
Allegations of Misuse for Political Figures
In a written statement, Khaira alleged that the facility was created primarily to facilitate visits by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal. He pointed out that Kejriwal holds no constitutional office in Punjab and has no administrative responsibility in the state, yet continues to enjoy VIP infrastructure at Punjab's expense.
Khaira further claimed that crores of rupees were spent on Vikas Bhawan to convert it into a luxury stay arrangement during Kejriwal's visits, diverting scarce financial resources from public needs.
Key Demands and Accountability
Sukhpal Singh Khaira has made several demands in response to this issue:
- A white paper detailing the total expenditure on the Mohali helipad and all modifications or luxury arrangements made at Vikas Bhawan.
- Fixing accountability on officials and decision-makers who approved a technically unviable project.
- A clear explanation from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on why Punjab's resources are being used for the comfort of a person with no official role in the state.
This controversy underscores ongoing concerns about governance and fiscal responsibility in Punjab, with the Congress leader urging transparency and corrective action to prevent such wasteful expenditures in the future.
