MLA Setia confronts official over delay in repair of Rania road

The controversy over the incomplete Rania road in Sirsa has deepened after a video surfaced of MLA Gokul Setia confronting a Public Works Department (PWD) official, Executive Engineer Sanjay Sabharwal, during a Facebook live session on Sunday. Setia accused Sabharwal of deliberately delaying the road repair work, which has caused significant inconvenience to local residents and travellers.

The issue began in March when a sewage line broke, leading to the collapse of a large section of Rania Road that connects Sirsa with Rania and Ellenabad. The damaged road made it difficult for people to travel. Notably, both Setia and former MLA Gopal Kanda have their houses on this road, with Setia's house located directly in front of the damaged section.

After public outcry, the Public Health Department fixed the broken sewers, but the road repair work is yet to start. Despite the pipes being fixed more than six months ago, one side of the road remains completely blocked, while the road in front of Kanda’s house has been repaired.

In his Facebook live video, Setia criticised Sabharwal, saying, "You are delaying the work on purpose. You told me two months ago that the work would start soon, but nothing has happened. People are suffering, and it's your responsibility. If you can't do the work, resign!"

Setia continued, "You are being paid with taxpayers’ money, and you must do your job. I will raise this issue in the Assembly. If any officer has forgotten his duties, I will remind him of the same."

In response, Sabharwal explained that the road construction work had been delayed due to the sewer line installation, which required time for the soil to settle. He added that the monsoon season and the election code of conduct also delayed the tender process. He assured that the work would begin soon and that the paperwork had been completed.

Sabharwal also mentioned that Setia had only verbally communicated about the delay and had not submitted any formal written complaints. He requested that the MLA exercise patience, as some things took time.

Meanwhile, former MLA Gopal Kanda criticised Setia for using this issue for political gains, alleging that Sirsa regretted electing a leader who was more interested in "political showmanship" than getting works done. He alleged that Setia’s actions were part of a strategy to create a false image.