Akali-BJP MLAs to target Sidhu

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 13

Akali-BJP MLAs have decided to target Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu in the Assembly tomorrow. The MLAs propose to raise issues concerning the Local Bodies Department and the minister’s alleged inability to deliver.

The issues were discussed during a meeting of the legislators, held here after the first sitting of the winter session. Sources in the SAD said they proposed to take up the issue of poor civil infrastructure in areas managed by urban local bodies, mainly due to paucity of funds as well as the minister’s decision to not allot tenders for various road projects.

The Amritsar train tragedy, which took place during a Dasehra function where the minister’s wife was the chief guest, will also be raked up by the alliance partners.

Though the Congress is yet to declare its CM candidate for Madhya Pradesh, the Akali Dal will hit out at the ruling party in case Kamal Nath is chosen. Nath is accused of involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The opposition MLAs plan to corner the treasury benches on this emotive issue.

Sources said the other issues Akali-BJP MLAs would raise in the Assembly were related to the failure to release SC scholarships, non-payment of DA (dearness allowance) and the delay in implementing recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission for employees.