Waste plant in Amritsar: In a first, SAD MLA revolts against Sukhbir Singh Badal

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The plant has been mired in controversy due to opposition from local residents. “We Sikhs have already faced enough embarrassment after Amritsar was placed a low 436th rank in survey of clean cities by the Union government. We cannot allow a solid waste plant to be built just 1.6 kms from the Golden Temple. I appeal to all Sikhs, irrespective of their political identity, to raise voice against this plant. How can a panthic party like SAD support this plant. I am going to start dharna against it from Monday,” Bolaria said.

While the SAD-BJP government routinely faces barbs from BJP MLA Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Bolaria’s dissent is the first by an Akali MLA, and that too against party president Sukhbir Badal. His relationship with the SAD top leadership had, however, broken down a while ago.

The Chief Parliamentary Secretary also admitted that the Punjab government last sent him a grant, of just Rs 9 crore, for his constituency around two years ago.

He had demanded at least Rs 100 crore for development work. Speculation has also been rife in political circles that he had fallen out with Renewable Energy Minister Bikram Singh Majithia.

Bolaria, however, claimed that his rebellion had nothing to do with recent remarks of Amritsar MP Capt Amarinder Singh, who had said that there would be a number of defections from SAD in the near future. “This is not about politics. This is about Sikhs and their holy city. I will not claim any credit. But please save Amritsar from this waste management plant,” Bolaria said.

Queried if he would quit his post and from the party, he said: “I am not the one to commit (political) suicide but I am ready to make any sacrifice for this issue. The party has to take the final decision. I am not afraid of the consequences. Whether I quit the party or not, one thing is clear that I will stand by the people and issues concerning them”.

On his absence during Sukhbir’s recent visit, the Chief Parliamentary Secretary said: “I was not intimated about his visit. I was also not in the city on that day and my phone was out of reach”.