Why Isn’t the Government That Claims to Eradicate Drugs Shutting Down Liquor Shops and Branches in Khuralgarh Kareempuri
Hoshiarpur/ July 24/Daljeet Ajnoha : Dr. Avtar Singh Karimpuri, President of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Punjab, has strongly opposed the Land Pooling Scheme being introduced by the Punjab Government for urban development projects. In a recent meeting with farmer organizations, Karimpuri clearly stated BSP’s stand that the party will firmly resist this scheme as it is extremely harmful to farmers, laborers, and the middle class.
He said the implementation of this scheme would crush the dreams of the poor and middle-class people who hope to build their own homes. The government will forcibly acquire land and sell it to outside colonizers for crores of rupees. The poor and middle-class citizens of Punjab will not be able to afford land priced at ₹30,000–₹40,000 per square yard. He appealed to farmers, laborers, artisans, and working-class people of Punjab to unite and oppose this scheme forcefully.
Raising a sharp question, Karimpuri asked, “Why is the Aam Aadmi Party government, which claims to eliminate drugs, not shutting down liquor shops and illegal liquor branches operating in the sacred land of Khuralgarh Sahib?”
He urged BSP workers, Guru Ravidass Sabhas, and devotees in villages and cities to pass resolutions and send them to the party. These resolutions should unanimously oppose the opening of three liquor shops by the Punjab government and the illegal liquor branches being run around the holy places of worship at Khuralgarh Sahib, which holds the divine presence of Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj.
These Sabhas are strongly demanding that all such liquor shops and unauthorized branches be immediately shut down. He condemned the government’s policy which appears to be attempting to commercialize this sacred site through liquor sales, and declared that BSP will make every possible effort to preserve the sanctity and dignity of this holy land.
In another statement, Karimpuri announced that the Bahujan Samaj Party will organize a district-level protest in Patiala on August 15 against state oppression. This decision was taken following discussions with the Patiala district leadership, local leaders of the legislative constituency, and the community of village Bathoi Kalan regarding the atrocities being committed against Dalits.
As part of the “Punjab Sambhalo Campaign,” a special program titled “What Kind of Freedom Is This?” will be held on Independence Day (August 15) in Patiala. To ensure the success of the program, state coordinator Prajapati Ajit Singh Bhaini, BSP Vice President Baldev Singh Mahira, State General Secretary Yoga Singh Panoundiya, and other senior leaders have been assigned responsibilities.
