A political leader from Punjab has demanded transparency and accountability from the state government regarding recent actions by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) concerning alleged irregularities within the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA). The questions centre on land deals, development concessions, and financial approvals, raising concerns about the impact on public funds.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that on Thursday, Shamsher Singh Padhri, a leader of Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De), issued a statement calling for clarity on the ED’s actions. He specifically pointed to reports of significant financial concessions, amounting to approximately Rs 57 crore in outstanding dues, granted in relation to GMADA land dealings. Padhri questioned the basis of these concessions, who granted the approvals, and the resulting impact on the state’s treasury.
The leader suggested that if the current state administration, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, possessed confidence in its decisions and dealings with GMADA, it should publicly disclose relevant files, meeting minutes, official approvals, and detailed financial records. This call for transparency aims to address public concerns surrounding land use changes, land acquisition processes, and alleged financial favouritism extended to private developers.
Padhri also addressed recent protests by Aam Aadmi Party workers outside the GMADA office, which were reportedly staged in opposition to the ED’s investigation. He further highlighted reports of damage inflicted upon an ED vehicle during these demonstrations, urging for an impartial inquiry into any alleged vandalism. Padhri emphasized that legal and documented evidence, rather than destructive actions, should be the basis for confronting any investigation.
He stated that if the government had legitimate objections or concerns about the ongoing probe, it had the recourse to approach the appropriate legal channels, such as the courts. This stance underscores the principle that official inquiries should be met with legal responses, not civil unrest or property damage.
Furthermore, Padhri referenced reports concerning an ED search conducted at the residence of a family member of the Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hardeep Singh Mundian. He called upon the state government to provide a clear explanation and clarification on this matter. The leader stressed that his party’s objective is to ensure accountability for decisions impacting Punjab’s land resources, public finances, and governmental institutions.
However, Padhri also cautioned against premature judgments, stating that no individual should be considered guilty until an investigation has reached its conclusion. This statement reflects a call for due process and the upholding of legal principles throughout the investigative procedures.
The Chenab Times News Desk