MOHALI: Former Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu issued a stern warning to the Punjab government, alleging that it is preparing to hand over the shamlat lands of 17 villages in Mohali constituency to its cronies. Calling the move nothing short of “betrayal of the people, ” Sidhu said a massive struggle will be launched against this anti-people policy.
Sidhu revealed that the villages targeted for sale through open bidding include Sukhgarh, Safipur, Green Enclave, Daun, Manakpur Kallar, Kandala, Kambali, Behrampur, Raipur Kalan, Chapparchiri Kalan, Rurka, Badi, Tangori, Raipur Khurd, Gidderpur, Nanumajra and Bhagomajra.
Citing an example, Sidhu said the Punjab government had earlier tried to hand over village Daun land to Shyam Builder through the Municipal Council Kharar. Even after the District Development and Panchayat Officer withdrew recommendations and the Additional Deputy Commissioner stayed the process, the Municipal Council passed Resolution No. 16 to push the transfer – a move taken under “pressure and misguidance.”
“The government wants to seize these panchayat lands only to distribute them among its favourites. This is not just a robbery of land but also of the future of our villages. Tomorrow, where will we build schools, colleges, hospitals, playgrounds, or Dharamshalas?” Sidhu asked.
He also raised the Papri village land issue, accusing the Mohali MLA of encroaching on 6 acres of prime land worth at least ₹300 crore. “For the last 10 years, illegal development has been going on here—without registration, auction, or fixed price. Why is the government silent? Why is it protecting its MLA?” Sidhu alleged.
He warned that taking control of these panchayat lands would rob villages of their revenue sources, directly weakening the panchayat system.
Expressing disappointment, Sidhu said: “It is shocking that the MLAs of Mohali and Kharar remain silent despite this large-scale conspiracy. Do they not have the courage to stand up for the rights of their people?”
Finally, Sidhu appealed to the panchayats of all 17 villages to unite and strongly oppose the government’s anti-land policy.