1 week ago
Opposition Targets Mann Government Over Bathinda Road Dispute
People in a Punjab village said a newly built road was not made properly.
They shared videos claiming that soil and gravel were covered with only a thin layer of road material.
They worried the road could become damaged after rain.
A government minister visited the village to inspect the road.
A former village leader said police stopped villagers from meeting the minister.
He also made allegations about police taking CCTV equipment and mistreating his children, but these claims have not been independently checked.
Opposition parties accused the government of intimidating people instead of investigating the road work.
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party said the minister had visited and accused the Opposition of plotting against the government.
Villagers alleged poor-quality construction on the newly built Kot Bhaiyya-Ramgarh Bhundar road in Maur constituency.
Former sarpanch Gurbinderjit Singh alleged police entered his home, removed CCTV equipment and mistreated his children; the claims remain unverified.
PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO visited the village on Sunday, while villagers allegedly said they were prevented from meeting him.
Opposition leaders demanded accountability, with Bikram Singh Majithia seeking a CBI probe into what he called a road scam.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Neel Garg defended the minister’s visit and accused the Opposition of conspiring against the government.
- Who
- Villagers, former sarpanch Gurbinderjit Singh, Punjab government officials, Opposition leaders and Aam Aadmi Party leader Neel Garg.
- What
- A political dispute over alleged poor-quality construction of the Kot Bhaiyya-Ramgarh Bhundar road and claims of police action against villagers.
- Where
- Kot Bhaiyya-Ramgarh Bhundar road in Punjab’s Bathinda district, within Maur constituency.
- When
- The minister’s inspection took place on Sunday; the broader controversy followed villagers’ recently circulated videos.
- Why
- Villagers alleged substandard road work, while the Opposition accused the government of suppressing complaints and evidence.
Opposition allegations
Government and AAP response
Quality of road construction
Opposition allegations
Villagers and Opposition leaders alleged that the road was built with soil and gravel and covered with a thin layer of material, potentially making it vulnerable to rain damage.
Government and AAP response
The articles do not provide a detailed technical response from the government on the construction-quality allegations, but they report that Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO visited the village to inspect the road.
Treatment of villagers
Opposition allegations
Gurbinderjit Singh and Opposition leaders alleged that police stopped villagers from meeting the minister and that police entered his home, removed CCTV equipment and mistreated his children.
Government and AAP response
The allegations have not been independently verified. Aam Aadmi Party leader Neel Garg said the minister visited the village and criticized the Opposition’s conduct.
How the controversy should be handled
Opposition allegations
Bikram Singh Majithia demanded a CBI investigation, while Congress and BJP leaders accused the government of intimidation and called for accountability.
Government and AAP response
Neel Garg said the Opposition could raise issues but should not conspire against the government.
Key facts
- Road under dispute
- Kot Bhaiyya-Ramgarh Bhundar road
- Location
- Bathinda’s Maur constituency in Punjab
- Government official involved
- PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO
- Initial allegations
- Villagers claimed soil and gravel were covered with a thin layer of material.
- Police-action allegations
- Gurbinderjit Singh alleged that CCTV equipment was removed and that his children were mistreated; these claims were not independently verified.
- Opposition demand
- Bikram Singh Majithia demanded a CBI probe into the alleged road scam.
- Ruling-party response
- Neel Garg said the minister visited the village and accused the Opposition of conspiring against the government.
Quotes
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring
Punjab Congress chief and political opponent of the Punjab government
“Don't shoot the messenger, Bhagwant Mann.”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
AAP MP Kang Challenges GMADA and Punjab’s Mann Government
Youth Dances to 'Gallan Goodiyaan' Over Pothole-Ridden Road in MP
Congress Protests Indore Potholes as BJP Calls Demonstration Gimmick
Villagers Build Road After Authorities Allegedly Fail to Act
YSRCP Stages Innovative Protest Over Damaged Rajamahendravaram Road
Bajwa Questions Punjab Government Over Pending Employee DA Arrears
BJP Alleges Punjab Cash-for-Transfer Network, Seeks Mann Resignation
Punjab CM's Europe Visit Hangs on Centre's Clearance
AAP Seeks CBI Probe Into Sirsa’s Alleged Rice Scam Role
Delhi Draft Rolls Exclude 33% Voters, More in Minority Seats
