Amritsar/Kartarpur, December 7
Accusing the Congress of patronising the mafia in Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said the illegal business of sand mining was worth over Rs 20,000 crore in the state.
Illegal trade worth Rs20K cr rampant
An illegal trade to the tune of Rs20,000 crore per annum in sand mining is going on in Punjab. This money can be used for people’s welfare. Arvind Kejriwal, AAP
Upon his arrival at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar before proceeding to Kartarpur (Jalandhar) and Hoshiarpur, he said when there were allegations of involvement of Congress MLAs and ministers in sand mafia and many other illegal activities, who would protect the interests of people?
“I have reports that illegal mining is rampant in CM Channi’s constituency in Fatehgarh Sahib. Can the welfare of Punjab be expected from such patrons?” he said, while demanding a probe by an independent agency.
Kejriwal alleged earlier the SAD-BJP regime had looted Punjab by patronising the mafia, after 2017, Capt Amarinder-led Congress followed in the footsteps of the Badals for four and a half years. He promised to end all sorts of mafia if AAP was voted to power in 2022.
During his visit to Sarai Khas village of Kartarpur (reserved) seat, he initiated registration of women for his proposed Rs 1,000 per month scheme. “Those sitting in the present government are saying that I intend to make my mothers and sisters kaam chor (slackers) and aalsi (lazy) with this scheme, but how come those who have embezzled millions are still active,” he hit back at his opponents.
Replying to those questioning about the funds for this scheme, the Delhi CM claimed, “Sand worth Rs 20,000 crore is being stolen in Punjab. We will form a government to stop this theft. Just Rs 10,000 crore of this amount would be enough to arrange for Rs 1,000 per month.”
In Hoshiarpur, the Delhi CM interacted with the members of Scheduled Caste (SC) community from Shamchurasi. He accused the successive governments of using the community only for the vote bank. He said AAP would ensure free education and coaching for competitive exams to every SC child.
(With inputs from Hoshiarpur)
Sand mafia making a killing in Punjab: Arvind Kejriwal
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