Blames BJP for instigating people against the Cong

City MP, Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal today lashed out at the BJP for instigating people. While addressing a public meeting in Sector 49 rehabilitation colony, Mr Bansal appealed to the people not to be misled by the BJP and assured them of all amenities in their vicinity.

Mr Bansal also said Chandigarh has set an example in slum rehabilitation. “It happens to be the only city in the entire country for having undertaken this project in its true spirit. Under the rehab scheme 60,000 families would get houses, of which around 50,000 have already been rehabilitated.

Mr Bansal was accompanied by his wife Mrs Madhu Bansal, while other senior party leaders present there were city mayor, Mr Subhash Chawla, party Colonies Cell president Shashi Shankar Tiwari, and Area Councillor Harphool Singh Kalyan.

The MP said he had once gone to Chennai where he was told about the slum rehabilitation scheme, which he said was however restricted to just 350 families. He took on the BJP by saying, “Where was BJP when the slums were demolished? They never ensured houses for those who were displaced. It was only the Congress which made it sure to first provide dwelling units and then demolish the structures.”

Assuring a slum free Chandigarh, he said the residents who had got a place to live should feel fortunate as they had been provided the best amenities in a city where land cost is touching a new high, adding that construction of each house had cost the Chandigarh Administration over Rs 2.5 lakh.

“I understand there are problems, which are being resolved, but see the parks, the toilet facilities and parking areas around you and we are there to improve your living conditions further”, he said, adding that it was an assurance from the party that ownership rights of houses rested with the original allottees.

While referring to the grievances raised by the residents, he spoke about the ration cards problem being faced, which he said was being done for their betterment and to streamline the Public Distribution System.

“We have resolved the problem of faulty streetlights recently but you should also see your children don’t break them. Water and electricity problem is also being redressed but again you all should ensure you don’t waste it”, said Mr Bansal.

City Mayor, Subhash Chawla while addressing the people said, their demand for health services are being redressed with the opening of a dispensary on December 31. He said the party had delivered what it had promised the slum dwellers in the last election.

Colony Cell President, Shashi Shankar Tiwari appealed to the people to vote for Congress in the forthcoming elections next year. Area Councillor Harphool Singh Kalyan said the colony would be transferred to Municipal Corporation after 5 years, following which more facilities will be provided to the beneficiaries.