Malvinder Singh Kang slams GMADA, calls it a ‘centre of loot’

Punjab Newsline | Mohali

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Malvinder Singh Kang has launched a strong attack against the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), alleging that the authority has become a “centre of loot” and accusing its officials of discrimination in action against illegal constructions.

The controversy arose in Saini Majra village, which falls under Kang’s Lok Sabha constituency. GMADA had issued notices to residents over alleged illegal constructions and had also begun demolishing some of the structures.

Local residents alleged that the action was being carried out selectively. Following their complaints, Kang reached the spot and inspected the situation.

Kang said villagers had contacted him the previous day, following which he spoke to the GMADA chief. He said he had made it clear that if the shops were illegal, action should be taken against all of them.

“If the shops have to be demolished, then all shops should be demolished because all the constructions are illegal. Either action should be taken against everyone or no shop should be demolished,” Kang said.

Kang said he was told that the action was being carried out in compliance with High Court orders. However, he questioned the manner in which the orders were allegedly being implemented.

“I want to tell the Chief Minister through you that GMADA has become a centre of loot. We will have to end this. Action will have to be taken against them. Now, we will gherao them,” Kang said.

AAP MP further alleged that there was “high-handedness” within GMADA. He claimed that allegations were being levelled against officials of accepting money to spare certain shops, while action was allegedly being taken against shops belonging to poor people and daily-wage earners.

Kang said many of these people were struggling to support their families, yet their shops were being demolished. He added that he had spoken to the GMADA chief over the phone at around 11 pm regarding the action.

The allegations made by Kang come amid growing resentment among local residents over the demolition drive and the alleged selective enforcement of rules.