In a significant political development in Punjab, former state health minister and senior Congress leader Balbir Singh Sidhu oversaw the entry of several prominent figures from rival parties into the Congress fold on Thursday. The event, held in Mohali, marked a strengthening of the party's local organizational structure ahead of crucial political battles.
Key Leaders Cross Over to Congress
The induction ceremony saw a notable influx of leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Among the key entrants were former education board president Gurdeep Singh Dhillon and former Landran College president Karandeep Singh Dhillon. They were joined by former SAD general secretaries Ranjit Singh Mann and Harbans Singh Dholowal, advocate Surinder Singh Chehal, Kanwar Singh Gill, Bhupinder Sharma, and Sujalpuri.
From the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Maninder Singh Bittu formally joined the Congress in the presence of Sidhu. Welcoming the new members, Sidhu assured them of full respect within the party and emphasized that their extensive experience and deep public connections would be harnessed to boost organizational growth and enhance public service delivery.
Sidhu Attacks AAP Over Stalled Development
Shifting focus to governance issues, Sidhu launched a sharp critique against the current AAP government. He highlighted several stalled development projects initiated during the previous Congress regime. A prime example he cited was the proposed 300-bed hospital in Sector 66, Mohali, for which tenders were approved and foundation stones laid. "The project remains incomplete even today," Sidhu stated, pointing to a broader failure in administration.
He further expressed grave concern over the state of Mohali's healthcare infrastructure. Sidhu pointed out that the Autism Centre in Sector 79 lies vacant and in a dilapidated condition, while a dispensary in the same sector remains unfinished. "This is not about incomplete buildings but about the failure of governance and accountability," he asserted, directly blaming the AAP government for the delays.
Congress Pledges People-Centric Governance
Reiterating the Congress party's commitment to Punjab's progress, Sidhu outlined the party's vision to revitalize infrastructure and public services across critical sectors including healthcare, education, roads, and social welfare. He argued that the policies of both the SAD and AAP have pushed Punjab backward and stressed the urgent need for honest, people-centric leadership to steer the state towards prosperity and development.
The strategic inductions in Mohali are seen as a move to consolidate the Congress's grassroots network in the region, signaling intensified political activity as parties gear up for future electoral contests.
