Punjab Newsline | Ludhiana
Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora on Thursday took a swipe at the Congress over former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi's cycle march, claiming that the party was internally divided.
Reacting to a question from journalists about Channi's cycle march, Arora said, "Soon, the bicycle's handle and wheels will be seen separately." He further claimed that the Congress was divided from within.
Arora made the remarks during his visit to various Chhath Puja sites in Ludhiana, where he was accompanied by Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal to review festival preparations.
The inspection began at 11 am from Pakhowal Canal Bridge, followed by visits to Gill Canal Bridge at 11:35 am, Ishwar Nagar Canal Bridge at 11:55 am and the Sutlej riverbank at Ladowal at 12:30 pm.
During the visit, the ministers reviewed arrangements at the Chhath Puja sites and assessed facilities being provided to devotees. They also interacted with administrative officials regarding safety, security and other necessary arrangements.
The district administration has issued a dedicated helpline number, 0161-2403100, for devotees who may require assistance during the celebrations.
Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had directed all officials on Wednesday to ensure proper arrangements for Chhath Puja. The ministers visited the sites to assess the implementation of these instructions.
He appealed to devotees to contact the helpline in case of any inconvenience.
Aman Arora said preparations at Sidhwan Canal had been completed and assured that the Punjab government would provide all necessary facilities to people celebrating Chhath Puja.
He said people who had been living and working in Punjab for years would be made to feel at home, adding that the government would take care of all arrangements for the festival.
Regarding the arrangements at the Sutlej riverbank in Ladowal, Arora said adequate security measures had been put in place. Medical teams and divers would be deployed to handle any emergency situation, while local Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) would supervise the teams.
Arora reacts to alleged extortion call to Kejriwal
During the media interaction, Arora was also asked about reports of an alleged extortion call to AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and threats to his family.
Responding to the question, Arora said Kejriwal had only the formula of providing quality education and better healthcare facilities to offer, adding that he had nothing else to give. He said he had learnt about the alleged extortion call through the media.
