The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its manifesto for Mohali ahead of the state assembly elections on February 20. The manifesto comprises 21 resolutions and three points for the constituency’s development. Sanjeev Vashisht released it with Haryana speaker Gian Chand Gupta and sports minister Sandeep Singh also being present. “To make Mohali the number-one smart city, the progressive and pragmatic manifesto will be implemented right from the go,” Hindustan Times quoted Vashishth as saying.
What does it entail?
Here are some of the key promises made in the manifesto:
- Stringent laws would disrupt the drug supply chain in Punjab.
- A drug-prevention task force would be put in place.
- There would be a fast-track process for courts in dealing with the violence, harassment, and oppression women face.
- Drone and CCTV surveillance services would stop cross-border infiltration and smuggling.
- Construction of electric fences and outposts to increase safety.
- Jobs for youngsters.
- Flats for the underprivileged.
- Hostels to be provided for working women.
The party plans to appeal to the voters by providing a socio-economic roadmap for growth and development. Haryana Sports Minister Sandeep Singh said that Punjab needs massive infrastructural development to revive the economy, and hence the BJP is making promises on this end.
Reaction from other political parties
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal also met with several industrialists in Mohali in the elections. He gave reassurances to these industrialists, saying they would be allowed to set up solar power plants in the state. He said that the industrialists could work together and set up plants anywhere in the state and transfer the power. He claimed that this would decrease the power tariff to 10 paisa per unit.
Badal also mentioned how no state can prosper without industries and that if the SAD- BSP alliance comes to power, an exhibition centre of 300 acres will be built in Mohali. However, he said no such exhibition centres exist anywhere in North India except Delhi.
Balbir Sidhu, former Punjab cabinet minister and Congress candidate from Mohali, addressed an election meeting in Sector 70. He said, “You are the best judge to compare what was promised and what was delivered. We are not fighting the poll on political bickering or accusing the opposition, we are seeking your vote on the basis of our report card.”
Kulwant Singh, the AAP candidate from Mohali, said that the state needs an honest government capable of handling menace, illegal mining, and eradicating corruption; Education and health also need to be promoted. Speaking about his rivals, he accused both the Congress and Akali Dal of looting the people and being involved in the unlawful occupation of public lands. He claimed that they were responsible for not focusing on health and development but promoting alcohol vends.
