Ravneet Bittu gives 48-hour ultimatum to Punjab CM Mann over Doraha overbridge project

Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu has issues a 48-hour ultimatum to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, demanding immediate approval for the long-delayed railway overbridge (ROB) on the Doraha-Sahnewal stretch in Ludhiana.

While addressing a public meeting during the Ludhiana West byelection campaigning in Ward 64, Rishi Nagar, the BJP leader criticised the state government for deliberately holding up the project.

He alleged that the Chief Minister’s Office had been sitting on the file for over six months, refusing to issue the necessary no objection certificate (NOC) from the Public Works Department (PWD).

“The overbridge is critical for easing traffic and ensuring connectivity. The Indian Railways is ready to fund the entire Rs 70 crore required for its construction. Still, the state government is refusing to cooperate,” Bittu said.

“Despite several letters and personal communication, the CMO has not even acknowledged the correspondence,” he said.

Calling the delay an intentional obstruction, Bittu warned that if the NOC isn’t cleared within the next two days, he would confront CM Mann directly at his residence or anywhere else.

“These are not my works — they are people’s works. If he fails to act, I will go to him and ask why he is playing politics with the city’s development,” he declared.

Bittu accused the Chief Minister of promoting a misleading narrative on development.

“On stage, he talks about progress but behind the scenes, he blocks critical projects supported by the Centre. These double standards will be exposed,” he said.

He urged voters to back BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta in the Ludhiana West byelection, emphasising that only a BJP-led government can fast-track stalled infrastructure and ensure accountability. The BJP leader also cited the Central Government’s decisive national security actions, including Operation Sindoor, as proof of strong leadership and vision.

Calling the bypoll a test for Punjab’s future, he appealed to party workers and residents to unite for victory, stating: “This election is not just about one seat. It’s about development, dignity and the dream of a stronger India.”