Mohali-With the objective of taking the message delivered by senior Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, during the Insaaf Rally held in Sangrur to every household, the Congress Party today organised the first meeting of its newly launched campaign, “Punjab Demands Justice,” in the Mohali Assembly constituency.
The meeting was held under the leadership of Punjab Congress President S. Pargat Singh, Leader of the Opposition S. Partap Singh Bajwa, Working President Shri Raj Kumar Verka, and senior Congress leader and former Health Minister S. Balbir Singh Sidhu. A large number of party leaders and workers participated in the meeting.
During the meeting, a strategy was formulated to corner the state government on issues concerning the prevailing situation in Punjab, drug abuse, deteriorating law and order, corruption and alleged harassment and injustice faced by the people.
Addressing the gathering, S. Pargat Singh said that the people of Punjab had handed over power to the Aam Aadmi Party with the hope of bringing change, but today they feel betrayed. The growing menace of drugs, rising crime and deteriorating law and order expose the reality behind the government’s claims. He said that the people of Mohali, too, had given the Aam Aadmi Party an opportunity after being influenced by tall claims and false promises brought from Delhi. However, people are now beginning to realise the true cost of their decision.
He said that “Punjab Demands Justice” is not merely a political campaign but an effort to become the voice of the people suffering injustice across Punjab. Under this campaign, meetings will be held with families affected by drug abuse and crime. The concerns of farmers, labourers, government employees, traders, youth and women will be heard. Cycle rallies and public meetings will also be organised to expose the failures of the state government before the people. He asserted that the Congress Party would fight at every level for the rights of Punjab and justice for its people.
While appreciating Balbir Singh Sidhu, Pargat Singh said that he enjoys a special place in the hearts of the people of the Mohali Assembly constituency and shares a deep-rooted relationship with them. He said that S. Balbir Singh Sidhu’s continuous engagement with the people of the constituency and his presence during their moments of joy and sorrow reflect his commitment towards public service. He expressed confidence that the people of Mohali would ensure his victory with a huge margin in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Leader of the Opposition S. Partap Singh Bajwa said that the Jhadu Party had turned an important institution like GMADA in Mohali into a means of generating revenue. Government institutions are meant for public welfare and the development of cities, not for anyone’s personal financial gains. He said that corruption under the present government had crossed all limits. He asserted that once the Congress Party comes to power, it will investigate every instance of exploitation of public money and misuse of government resources and fix accountability.
Bajwa said that launching this campaign from Mohali was extremely significant. He expressed full confidence that the Congress Party’s return to power in Punjab in 2027 would also begin with a victory in the Mohali Assembly constituency. He said that the people of Punjab were now demanding answers for the false promises made in the name of change, and the Congress Party would amplify their voice.
Former Health Minister S. Balbir Singh Sidhu, while addressing the gathering, launched a sharp attack on the present Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh, alleging that an atmosphere of political intimidation and hooliganism was being created in the constituency. He alleged that people holding opposing political views and Congress workers were being targeted and false cases were being registered against them. He said that in a democracy, opposing voices should be respected rather than suppressed. However, in Mohali, attempts were being made to intimidate and silence people through the misuse of power.
Sidhu also raised serious questions over the impartiality of the police administration. He alleged that the police were being forced to work under political pressure and that the law was being used to target political opponents. He emphasised that the law must be equal for everyone and that the police should function in accordance with the Constitution and the law rather than political directives.
Balbir Singh Sidhu said that a new struggle had begun from Mohali through the “Punjab Demands Justice” campaign. The Congress Party would not limit itself to statements and speeches but would reach out to people in villages and cities, listen to their problems and stand firmly against every form of injustice and intimidation.
He said that the Aam Aadmi Party would have to answer for the promises it had made to the people of Punjab. Accountability would be demanded for the exploitation of people, drug menace, corruption and political vendetta. He reaffirmed that upon forming the government in 2027, the Congress Party would work with complete commitment to ensure justice, security and accountable governance for the people.
At the conclusion of the meeting, S. Balbir Singh Sidhu thanked all the senior leaders, MLAs, party office-bearers, Panchayat representatives, Sarpanches, councillors and party workers who attended the meeting. He said that the overwhelming response and support extended by them would further strengthen the campaign. He expressed confidence that all leaders and workers would work together to take this struggle for justice to every village and every city across Punjab.
On this occasion, the proceedings were conducted by former Market Committee Chairman Shri Harkesh Chand Sharma Machhlikalan.
Among those present were former MLA S. Kuljit Singh Nagra, MLA S. Barindermeet Singh Pahra, Barnala MLA S. Kala Dhillon, MLA S. Sukhwinder Singh Kotli, former Mayor S. Amarjit Singh Jiti Sidhu, Kharar constituency in-charge Vijay Sharma Tinku, S. Deepinder Singh Dhillon, Mrs. Baljit Kaur, S. Ranjit Singh Jiti Padiyala, S. Balwinder Singh Ladi and Shri Avtar Singh Bawa Henry, along with several other senior party leaders, office-bearers, Panchayat representatives, Sarpanches, councillors and a large number of Congress workers.