Sukhbir Badal seeks central probe into Punjab illegal sand mining, alleges AAP link

AJNALA: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday demanded a central probe into illegal sand mining in Punjab, alleging that proceeds from the trade were being funnelled to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).Addressing a Punjab Bachao rally here, Badal alleged that illegal mining was being operated as a mafia network, with AAP leaders allegedly collecting money for the party. He said only a probe could establish the amount involved and determine where the money went.Badal also announced that an SAD government would fill three lakh vacant government posts after assuming office, with recruitment restricted to Punjabis.He said the law permitting recruitment of outsiders would be repealed. He further promised to lower the age for old-age pension to 60 years for men and 55 for women.Targeting the AAP government, Badal referred to Enforcement Directorate action relating to change of land use, land acquisition and alleged concessions to developers, and sought a similar probe into mining.He also accused chief minister Bhagwant Mann of supporting Akali Dal Waris Punjab De to allegedly divide the Panthic vote, while alleging that a senior Mandi Board official was being used to finance the outfit.Badal criticised AAP's welfare claims, alleging that several schemes launched during the SAD government had been diluted or discontinued. He cited free cycles, sports kits, gyms, reverse-osmosis plants, Suvidha and Sanjh Kendras, and changes in the aata-daal scheme.Badal announced a Skill University with district centres, interest-free loans of up to Rs 10 lakh for youth, a Rs 1 lakh Shagun grant, Rs 3,100 monthly old-age pension, 50 kg wheat at Rs 4 per kg and five-marla plots for houseless families.Badal said the rally demonstrated growing support for the SAD ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Amritsar | Silver Rate in Amritsar | Bank Holidays in Amritsar | Public Holidays in Amritsar | Petrol Price in Amritsar | Diesel Price in Amritsar | CNG Price in Amritsar | LPG Price in AmritsarStay updated with the latest Amritsar news. Download the TOI App.