Latest news with #BalbirSinghSidhu
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Massive crowd gathers for Congress's ‘Save the Constitution' rally near AAP MLA's office in Mohali
In a bold political move, the Congress organised a high-energy 'Savidhan Bachaoo (Save the Constitution)' rally in Sector 78, Mohali, just a short distance from the office of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Kulwant Singh Saturday. The rally, led by senior Congress leader and former Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu, drew a massive crowd despite adverse weather conditions, signalling a political resurgence for the party in the region. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, former Speaker Rana K P Singh, Congress co-incharge Ravindra Dalvi, and leaders like Inderbir Singh Bolaria also participated in the event. Addressing the crowd, Warring said, 'The BJP-RSS alliance is determined to divide this country in the name of religion. They are not only sacrificing the principles of the Constitution but also robbing people of their freedom, jobs, and rights.' Rana KP Singh also took a direct dig at the ruling AAP, stating, 'AAP has now become the B-team of the BJP.' Echoing the sentiments, Balbir Singh Sidhu said, 'The soul of this nation, our Constitution, our democracy, and our community, is under threat. But Congress, as the only national force, is fighting to preserve it. We will never allow the dictatorship that the BJP and RSS are trying to impose on this country to succeed.' Sidhu openly challenged the BJP, AAP, and RSS during the rally, signalling a combative tone from the party. Among the prominent attendees were Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu, District Congress Committee President Jeeti Padiyala, Deepinder Dhillon, Vijay Sharma Tinku, Rajwant Rai Sharma, Krishna Mitu, and Kamaljit Chawla. The political message in rally's location What made the rally's location even more significant was its proximity to AAP MLA Kulwant Singh's office. According to insiders, choosing this location was a strategic move aimed at sending a strong message to rival factions by showcasing the massive public turnout. For the past three and a half years, internal factionalism had weakened Congress's standing in Mohali, especially after Balbir Singh Sidhu briefly joined the BJP. However, since rejoining the Congress, this rally marked a strong comeback. Despite the bad weather, the enthusiastic public response has injected fresh momentum into the party's local unit.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Congress fought for freedom, will now fight to protect Constitution: Balbir Sidhu
Former Punjab health minister and senior Congress leader Balbir Singh Sidhu led a 'Save the Constitution' rally in Sector 78, Mohali, on Saturday. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, former speaker Rana KP Singh, Punjab Congress co-incharge Ravindra Dalvi, Inderbir Singh Bolaria, Dera Bassi in-charge Deepinder Dhillon, Mohali mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu, and other senior leaders were also present in the rally. Throwing an open challenge to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Warring said the Congress is raising its voice against the murder of democracy and the Constitution. Sidhu said, 'The soul of the nation—our Constitution, our democracy, and our harmony—is under threat today. But the Congress, as the only true national force which fought for the country's freedom in the past, is now fighting to protect it. We will never allow the dictatorship of the BJP and RSS to prevail.' Dalvi said, 'The BJP and RSS are trying to divide the country in the name of religion and snatch people's freedom, employment, and rights.' Rana KP Singh attacked AAP stating, 'AAP has become the B-team of the BJP. From Delhi to Punjab, their silence and collusion with the BJP has become a threat to our nation and Constitution. Those who came to power with slogans of change are now suppressing the voice of the people. But the Congress is fighting against this and receiving the support of people.'
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: AAP's Sikhya model failed in edu sector: Balbir Sidhu
Senior Congress leader and former Punjab health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu on Thursday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in Punjab, accusing it of 'hollow governance' and failed promises in the education sector. Sidhu claimed that the much-hyped Sikhya model promoted by the AAP government was far from reality on the ground. The AAP administration's focus on advertisements and posters had not translated into tangible improvements in the education system, Sidhu said. He pointed to the work done during his tenure, stating, 'We constructed six state-of-the-art classrooms and purchased furniture worth ₹1 lakh, with ₹35 lakh allocated for upgrades in multiple schools across Mohali,' Sidhu said. 'Today, the AAP government is inaugurating toilet repairs and calling it an education revolution,' Sidhu added. The Congress leader further criticised the AAP government for failing to upgrade schools despite its claims, highlighting teacher shortages and poor infrastructure that persist in many schools. 'The visible improvements are a result of the work done by previous governments, not AAP,' Sidhu said. Sidhu demanded that chief minister Bhagwant Mann and the AAP leadership shift their focus from publicity stunts and empty slogans to completing long-pending educational projects in Mohali region.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Former Punjab minister Balbir Singh Sidhu calls BBMB's additional allocation for Haryana ‘unconstitutional'
Chandigarh: Congress functionary and former Punjab health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu on Monday hit out at the Bhakra Beas Management Board ( BBMB ) for its decision to allocate 8,500 cusecs of Punjab's river water to Haryana, describing it as an "unconstitutional and a direct assault on Punjab's rights". "Punjab has no surplus water. It is unacceptable for BBMB to direct us to share our legitimate share with Haryana," said Sidhu, terming the decision a grave injustice to the state's farmers and future generations. Expressing disappointment over the decision's timing, Sidhu said at a time when the nation was mourning the Pahalgam terror attack and readying for a face-off with Pakistan, BBMB had sparked an internal conflict and irresponsibly provoked Punjab and Haryana. He also accused Haryana of using water irresponsibly. He criticised the Centre for unilaterally reallocating Punjab's water without any prior consultation, calling it "a betrayal of the people of Punjab". Highlighting worsening water crisis in the state, Sidhu said irrigation through canal water already had declined by nearly 4.90 lakh hectares. "According to the 2024–25 budget, 114 out of Punjab's 150 blocks were declared 'dark zones' due to rapid groundwater depletion," he said. "Punjab's agrarian economy is heavily reliant on water. With paddy-sowing season approaching, every drop counts. We cannot compromise on our agricultural lifeline," he added. Sidhu accused the BJP-led central and Haryana govts of misusing their authority to exert pressure on Punjab. "They are not only manipulating Punjab's water rights but also interfering in administrative matters, such as the appointment of state-quota officers. This is both unconstitutional and unacceptable," he said. He warned that the people of Punjab would not remain silent in the face of such injustice. "We are already grappling with an acute water crisis. We cannot—and will not—allow our rightful share to be taken away under any circumstances. Punjab's water is its lifeline and legacy. For decades, we sacrificed for the nation. But enough is enough—any attempt to rob Punjab of its natural resources will be met with strong resistance," Sidhu declared.
