AAP leader behind stalled NH project, alleges MP Aujla

Member of Parliament Gurjeet Singh Aujla has alleged that a key national highway (NH) project in the district has been deliberately stalled due to the patronage of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal. Addressing a press conference here, Aujla accused the AAP leader of misusing power and promoting corruption at the village level.

The MP said that during a meeting with Nishan Singh, sarpanch of Sudhar village in the Ajnala area, it emerged that despite having all the required permissions, the sarpanch has not been allowed to lift soil for the NH project. Aujla alleged that pressure is being exerted on the sarpanch to forcibly construct a room for an associate of Dhaliwal on the village chhapar (common land). He described this as open corruption and abuse of authority.

Aujla stated that soil for the NH project is being legally lifted from several locations after due approvals from the concerned departments. However, he alleged that only the sarpanch of Sudhar village is being stopped from carrying out the work on his own land. He further claimed that some leaders from the same village, who lost the panchayat elections and are now associated with the AAP, are behind the obstruction. According to him, continuous threats are being issued and efforts are being made to provoke the sarpanch into a confrontation.

The MP said that all permissions for soil lifting were granted on June 16 after completing all legal formalities. Even the police, after verifying the documents, acknowledged that the work was legal and advised the sarpanch to proceed. “However, whenever the contractor starts the work, either the police stop it or the workers are assaulted,” Aujla alleged.

He claimed that these actions are taking place under the patronage of AAP chief spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal. “Dhaliwal speaks of peace, but under his watch people are being pushed towards confrontation,” Aujla said. He also alleged that despite knowing the facts, the police are illegally siding with the opposing party.

Aujla warned that the stalled project is not only harassing the sarpanch but is also harming public interest by delaying an important national highway project. He said that if the issue is not resolved and any untoward incident occurs, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal will be held directly responsible.

Meanwhile, sarpanch Nishan Singh said he has visited several offices, from the DSP to the DIG, and is repeatedly advised to begin the work. “But as soon as the work starts, the police arrive and stop it,” he said. He demanded strict action against those issuing threats and immediate resumption of the soil-lifting work.