Former Punjab health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu has launched a sharp attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of betraying public trust. The controversy centres on a recent government advertisement that allegedly omitted a crucial decision to reduce the price enhancement for plots in Mohali's sectors 76 to 80.
A Decision Ignored: The Core of the Controversy
Sidhu expressed deep disappointment, stating that a high-level meeting had decided to slash the rate from Rs 3,164 per square metre to Rs 2,325 per square metre, a reduction of approximately Rs 839 per square metre. He revealed that this meeting was attended by top officials including the Chief Administrator of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), the Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Chief Secretary of Punjab, several senior IAS officers, and the local MLA, Kulwant Singh.
"If a decision was taken in the presence of such senior officers, then why are people being betrayed today?" Sidhu questioned, highlighting what he calls a complete breach of public trust. He detailed that a committee formed for this issue included senior IAS officers, secretaries from key departments, and then Chief Administrator GMADA Vishesh Sarangal.
Years of Delay and Political Promises
Targeting MLA Kulwant Singh directly, the former minister alleged that despite big claims, numerous meetings, and committee formations over the past three to four years, affected residents are still suffering. "People were kept hopeful, yet even now, they are being forced to make rounds of government offices," Sidhu stated.
He further claimed that several AAP municipal councillors had also taken up the issue, assuring residents that the entire enhanced amount would be waived. However, nothing has materialised so far. Sidhu demanded a thorough inquiry to determine "who is lying to the MLA, the government, or whether the entire process itself was misleading."
MLA's Defence and Awaiting Cabinet Nod
In response to the allegations, Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh offered a clarification. He stated that the matter is yet to be placed before the state Cabinet for final approval. The copies of the decision currently circulating are only related to the proceedings, he claimed.
Singh explained that the advertisement published in newspapers was solely for address verification purposes, allowing plot allottees who have changed addresses to inform the authorities. "Since the notification will be issued only after the Cabinet meeting, the rate of Rs 3,164 as mentioned in the advertisement for now, will be reduced accordingly in the final notification," the MLA asserted. He promised that once the Cabinet approves, the rates would be reduced as decided.
Residents in Limbo Amid Political Debate
At the heart of this administrative and political tussle are the nearly 4,000 plot allottees who have been affected by the price enhancement issue. Sidhu emphasised that this has caused significant hardship to thousands of families in Mohali. He questioned the logic behind issuing a fresh notice with the old rates, calling it "sheer injustice."
Currently, the affected residents continue to wait for clear answers and concrete action. The issue has become a subject of intense political and administrative debate in Mohali, with the former minister's allegations putting the spotlight on the AAP government's accountability and implementation of its own decisions.
