Mohali: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday announced an ambitious plan to transform the Mohali–Zirakpur–Dera Bassi–New Chandigarh–Kharar belt into a major financial and industrial hub of the country, modelled on cities like Mumbai and Gurgaon, if the party returns to power in 2027.Addressing a public rally in Dera Bassi, Sukhbir said the SAD govt would focus on creating a comprehensive development ecosystem in the region. The rally was attended by thousands despite rainfall and a last-minute venue change.Accompanied by senior leader N K Sharma, Sukhbir outlined plans for establishing an IT hub, promoting tourism, and developing Dera Bassi as an industrial centre.Responding to the demands raised by N K Sharma, the SAD chief assured that a future SAD govt would establish a hospital in Zirakpur, provide canal water for drinking, develop Chhatbir as a tourist destination, upgrade Handesra to a sub-tehsil, set up a girls’ college in Lalru, and promote regional language education.He also announced the development of religious sites at Gharam and Kunti Kund, and said Sharma would be entrusted with the finance portfolio.The Akali Dal president further announced that the region would be connected through a metro rail network, supported by upgraded road infrastructure and modern solid waste management systems.According to Sukhbir, the project will be completed within five years, leading to the emergence of a new metropolitan zone around Chandigarh. He also credited the previous SAD govt for putting Mohali on the global map through the establishment of an international airport, adding that the party aimed to build on that foundation.Targeting his political rivals, Sukhbir alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party and the Indian National Congress had already signalled an electoral alliance for the 2027 Punjab assembly elections. He cited their cooperation in the block samiti elections, including in Baghapurana, Kotkapura and Faridkot, where both parties supported each other to keep the SAD out of power.Warning the voters, Sukhbir said both these parties had harmed Punjab’s progress and urged the people to support a regional party. He also criticised AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of misleading the public by claiming that welfare schemes would be discontinued if the AAP lost power in 2027.Sukhbir said key welfare schemes in the state were originally launched by the SAD and alleged that the current govt had either reduced or discontinued benefits under several programmes, including old-age pensions, Aata-Dal scheme, Shagun assistance and scholarships for Scheduled Caste students.Outlining a broader vision for Punjab, the senior leader promised tube-well connections for all farmers and 12 hours of daytime electricity supply. He also announced the establishment of a World Skill University with centres in every district to train one lakh youth annually.In addition, he proposed interest-free loans of Rs 10 lakh for youth, revival and expansion of the Aata-Dal scheme, an increase in old-age pension to Rs 3,100 per month, and enhancement of Shagun assistance to Rs 1 lakh.Sukhbir also pledged free education up to graduation level and a 75% subsidy for youth setting up livestock ventures, including dairy and poultry farming.MSID:: 129880534 413 |
