Tear Gas Used Against Workers Reflects Bhagwant Mann Government's Authoritarian Approach: Randhawa
Punjab Government Must Immediately Release MGNREGA Workers' Pending Wages of Eight Months; Inquiry Should Be Ordered; Action Must Be Taken Against Responsible Officials
City Air News
Jul 15, 2026 07:52
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Chandigarh, July 15, 2026: Former Deputy Chief Minister and Member of Parliament Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa strongly condemned the police action of firing tear gas shells at MGNREGA contractual workers in Sun City Colony, Khanna. He said that the MGNREGA workers had been demanding the release of their pending wages for the past eight months. Treating poor workers, who were merely asking for the wages they had earned through their hard work, like criminals is extremely unfortunate. He said this police action exposes the authoritarian face of the Bhagwant Mann government.
Randhawa stated that the workers were holding a peaceful protest outside the residence of Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, but instead of listening to their grievances, the government chose to deploy police force. He alleged that several protesting workers were injured during the action, while women and elderly protesters also suffered considerable hardship.
Randhawa urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to immediately release the eight months' pending wages of the MGNREGA workers, order a judicial inquiry into the incident, and take strict action against the officials responsible for using force against innocent workers. He said that the Congress Party stands firmly with the workers and will continue to fight for the protection of their rights.
