Chandigarh, July 15 (IANS). Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal has launched a scathing attack on the Punjab government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the police action against employees and laborers in Khanna. He alleged that force was used against the employees who were protesting peacefully for their demands, which is against democratic values.
Sukhbir Singh Badal criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann while posting on social media platform ‘X’. He alleged that lathi charge, water cannon and tear gas shells were used by the police on the employees and laborers who were peacefully chanting ‘Satnam Waheguru’.
He claimed that the protesters were contractual employees and poor laborers who were only demanding payment of their outstanding wages. According to him, the incident took place when the protesters had gathered outside the residence of Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh in Khanna with their demands.
The Akali Dal chief said that in a democratic system, people have the right to express their views and register their protest peacefully. He alleged that instead of listening to the voice of the people, the government is adopting the path of using force. He termed this action as ‘danda-tantra’ instead of democracy.
Sukhbir Badal said that no government should try to suppress the voice of the public by force. He alleged that instead of solving the problems of the employees and workers, the Punjab government is adopting an oppressive attitude.
On behalf of Shiromani Akali Dal, he announced the support of the employees and laborers and said that his party stands strongly with them. He assured the protesting employees that if Shiromani Akali Dal government is formed in the year 2027, their pending demands will be taken action on priority basis and their resolution will be ensured.
–IANS
SCH/ABM
