Cross posted from Indian Express
Youth Congress members from Phillaur Friday held a protest against the sand-gravel mafia by putting up stalls of sand and gravel in the area. Youth Congress president Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary said similar programmes will be held in all all 117 constituencies by April 17.
“Under Badal government the common man cannot think of constructing a house as sand and gravel prices have skyrocketed,” Chaudhary said, adding, “During the Congress regime, the rate for trolley load of sand was Rs 200 to 400 and truck load of sand was sold at a minimum of Rs 5,000. Now, the same trolley load costs Rs 1,200 to 1,500 and truck load costs a minimum of Rs 20,000 to 25,000.”
Claiming that Akali goons were hand-in-glove with the local police and administration, Chaudhary said: “They are illegally mining and selling sand and gravel… Now, the cash-starved government is seeking donations to run its hospitals — a new method of minting money.”
