₹2 cr for martyr’s memorial in Sunam, Capt skips event

SUNAM(SANGRUR):THE Punjab government will spend Rs 28 crore on the memorial of Shaheed Udham Singh to be developed at his native town Sunam, forests minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot announced on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh skipped the state-level function held here to mark the 79th death anniversary of the freedom fighter due to an ‘urgent meeting’ in Delhi.

In CM’S absence, Dharamsot presided over the function. Cabinet ministers Razia Sultana and Vijay Inder Singla, Punjab Mandi Board chairman Lal Singh, local Congress leader Daman Thind Bajwa and Dhuri MLA Dalbir Singh Goldy were also present on the occasion.

“The CM had to attend an urgent meeting in Delhi. However, he asked me to make the announcement regarding the memorial,” he said while addressing the gathering.

Notably, the land for Shaheed Udham Singh memorial was acquired under the previous SAD-BJP government, but it could not be developed for lack of funds. “It is unfortunate that former finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, who had represented Sunam constituency, could not provide the required funds for the martyr’s memorial during his tenure,” said Dharamsot.

It is for the second time when the CM missed a state-level function held in the district this year.

IN CM’S ABSENCE, MINISTER SADHU SINGH DHARAMSOT PRESIDED OVER THE FUNCTION

BAINS PAYS HOMAGE

Meanwhile, Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) chief Simarjeet Singh Bains separately reached Sunam along with his supporters and paid homage to the martyr at his statue. Reacting to Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann’s tweet over the crisis in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bains said if Mann is disheartened, he should join Bathinda convention on August 2, called by Sukhpal Khaira, who has been removed as leader of opposition.

Meanwhile talking to Hindustan Times, state higher education minister Razia Sultana said the government has not decided yet when the elections to the students unions in the state will be held.