SAD accuses Cong leader of encroaching upon govt land

Ravi Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Fatehgarh Churian (Gurdaspur), June 27

Gurdaspur SAD leaders have accused District Congress Committee (DCC) president Roshan Joseph of encroaching upon a government land in Fatehgarh Churian.

Pandemonium prevailed at the Fatehgarh Churian Municipal Committee (MC), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park, where Joseph was believed to be encroaching upon the government land.

Refuting the allegation, the DCC chief said he was just facilitating the setting up of a Verka milk booth, which was allotted in his name last week.

“I have the permission to set up the booth. I fail to understand why SAD leaders are livid. They should check the facts before they speak. I have got the permission from the officials concerned, including that of the Gurdaspur Deputy Commissioner. MC Executive Officer Bhupinder Singh has also given its nod to proceed after getting the green signal from the tehsildar and officials of the Public Works Department,” Joseph added.

The DCC chief also produced a letter, claiming that he had been allotted the booth.

His contention was, however, rubbished by Ravi Karan Kahlon, president of the SAD youth wing (Majha zone).

“Before the construction of the milk booth can begin, there are some necessary formalities that have to be completed. Among the many requirements, one is that a resolution seeking the opening of a booth should be moved in the MC House and if it has been passed, the rent has to be fixed. In this case, neither the resolution was moved nor any rent has been fixed by the MC. So under which rules is Joseph opening the booth?” questioned Kahlon.

Interestingly, the MC House is controlled by SAD with 10 of the 13 councillors owing allegiance to the party. The MC president is Baljit Singh Chauhan, a staunch supporter of Ravi Kahlon.

Kahlon claimed that Joseph had dismantled the walking trail and uprooted the MC wall and inter-locking tiles. “He will be opening a shop in the name of the booth. By the virtue of being the DCC president, Joseph has become close to some powerful Congress leaders of the area who, in turn, are helping him in his cause,” he added.