Bhattal, Dhindsa lock horns again over grant for Lehra

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, February 21

The controversy over the utilisation of development grants for Lehra has again brought Congress nominee Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and SAD candidate Parminder Singh Dhindsa on a warring path.

Congress’ Lehra candidate Rajinder Kaur Bhattal yesterday demanded a time-bound investigation. She alleged around Rs 13-crore grant was utilised in a hasty manner.

Bhattal, along with 10 councillors, yesterday announced to bring a no-confidence motion against SAD-supported Nagar Council (NC) chief Balwinder Kaur in the House meet scheduled for March 21.

The announcement was made at a meeting here after Balwinder Kaur cancelled Monday’s House meet. In an act of defiance, the councillors elected Jagdish Rai as a parallel chief.

In the past one year, the civic body received around Rs 13 crore for streets, roads, sewerage and water pipes. Tenders were allotted immediately. Of the total amount, the civic body released the payment for around 60 per cent of works.

The manner in which the grants were used became a poll plank for Bhattal. Dhindsa, for his part, attacked the Congress during campaigning on this matter.

“There has been rampant corruption in the utilisation of Rs 13 crore. Poor quality of material was used in the construction of roads and laying of sewerage pipes. We raised the matter during campaigning and will continue to do so till all accused are punished after a thorough inquiry,” said Bhattal.

The Vigilance Bureau started the inquiry a few days ago.

Dhindsa said his political opponents were levelling baseless allegations. “When the president postponed the House meeting to March 21, how could other members call another meeting? The Monday’s meeting was illegal. If they want to bring a no-confidence motion, they can do that on March 21,” he added.

Balwinder Kaur could not be contacted in spite of repeated attempts.