Cong workers stage protest, flay govt for ‘anti-people’ policies

Thousands of Congress workers and office-bearers staged a massive dharna today outside the DSP office in Nakodar, protesting against alleged police excesses and government apathy. The dharna was led by Dr Navjot Singh Dahiya, Congress Halqa in-charge, and highlighted growing public dissatisfaction with the local administration and governance.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Dahiya condemned the filing of ‘false’ cases against Congress leaders and workers, describing it as a tactic to intimidate opposition members under the alleged patronage of MLA Bibi Inderjeet Kaur Mann. He accused the police of registering cases under Section 307 of IPC without cause and summoning party workers to police stations, causing mental harassment and disruption in public life.

Dr Dahiya also criticised the state government for wasting crores on advertisements, failing to handle flood situations effectively, and allowing lawlessness and hooliganism to spread in Nakodar constituency. “The police and bureaucracy are openly declaring the MLA above the administration, which is a blatant insult to the rule of law,” he said, describing the local administration as increasingly unaccountable.

The Congress leader highlighted the post-flood devastation in the constituency, including damage to crops, houses, borewells, motors and roads. He demanded immediate and unbiased compensation for losses, proper rebuilding of damaged infrastructure and transparent disbursement of government funds. Dr Dahiya also raised concerns over alleged misappropriation of resources by AAP workers, stating that funds are being diverted to their supporters. He further called for action to ensure that ration cards of needy families are not cancelled and urged compensation for losses to livestock, low-yield crops and damaged gurdwaras.

Addressing specific incidents, Dr Dahiya demanded an inquiry into controversial statements made by MLA Inderjeet Kaur Mann, including remarks perceived as disrespectful toward farmers and the Sikh community. He also sought clarification on the MLA’s claim of Rs 5 crore spent on construction works, asking for transparency.

Senior Congress leaders who addressed the dharna condemned the government’s anti-people policies and highlighted the urgent need for administrative reforms in Nakodar. The protest continued peacefully until assurances were given by the SP, DSP and other senior officials that all demands raised by Dr Dahiya and the workers would be addressed promptly. Following these assurances, the dharna was called off.

The protest today underscores rising political tensions in Nakodar and growing public concern over governance, administrative transparency and accountability of elected representatives.