Congress Member of Parliament from Amritsar, Gurjeet Singh Aujla, has launched a serious accusation against a leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging his interference is the primary reason behind the stalled expansion of a vital National Highway stretch in the region. The project, crucial for easing traffic congestion and boosting connectivity, has faced significant delays, causing inconvenience to daily commuters and hindering regional development.
The Allegations and the Accused
Gurjeet Singh Aujla did not mince words, directly pointing fingers at AAP's Amritsar (Urban) president, Dr. Sunil Kumar, for creating obstacles in the highway expansion work. The project in question involves the widening of the National Highway from Amritsar's Verka Chowk to the India-Pakistan border at Attari. According to Aujla, the work has been deliberately halted due to the actions of the AAP leader, who is reportedly opposing the acquisition of land necessary for the project's completion.
The MP elaborated that the project's timeline has been severely disrupted. He claimed that while the initial phase of the work was progressing, the current impasse over land acquisition, instigated by the local AAP leadership, has brought construction to a standstill. This accusation brings a sharp political angle to an infrastructure issue that directly affects public welfare.
Impact on Commuters and Development
The consequences of this delay are being felt on the ground by thousands of residents and travelers. The Verka Chowk to Attari highway is a major artery, and its expansion is critical for managing the ever-increasing traffic flow, especially for vehicles heading towards the international border. The stalled project means continued traffic snarls, longer travel times, and potential safety hazards on a road that has not been upgraded to meet current demands.
Beyond daily inconvenience, the delay casts a shadow on broader economic and infrastructural growth plans for the Amritsar region. Efficient road connectivity is a cornerstone for trade, tourism, and overall development. The holdup in such a significant national project undermines efforts to improve the region's logistics and accessibility, potentially deterring investment and slowing down progress.
Political Repercussions and Public Demand
This incident has quickly escalated into a political flashpoint. Gurjeet Singh Aujla's public allegation frames the issue as a case of political obstructionism by the AAP, which is part of the ruling alliance in the state of Punjab. He has positioned himself and his party as advocates for development, contrasting it with what he portrays as the AAP's counterproductive actions. The MP has called upon the public to recognize who is responsible for the stagnation of this important infrastructure work.
The situation has sparked a demand for clarity and resolution. Commuters and local businesses are urging authorities to break the deadlock and ensure the project resumes without further delay. There is a growing call for all stakeholders, including political figures, to prioritize public interest over political maneuvering and allow the National Highway project to reach its completion for the benefit of all.
As of now, the accused AAP leader, Dr. Sunil Kumar, has not issued a formal public response to the specific allegations made by MP Aujla. The ball now lies in the court of the concerned administrative and political authorities to investigate the claims, address the land acquisition issues, and ensure that the development work on this crucial Amritsar highway proceeds unhindered.
