While it was supposed to be an open interaction between the public and the CM, only a few Akalis managed to present their charter of demands.

“Why were we invited, if we were not even allowed to submit our memorandums to the CM,” asked Paramjeet Kaur, a resident.

A group of municipal councilors and social leaders also protested against what they called the “denial of entry” through the special gates designated for them.

Municipal Councillor Baljeet Kaur and Punjab Dalit Chetna Manch president Shamsher Singh dubbed Badal’s programme as a “Chamcha Rally”.

As part of his state-wide tour under the Vikas Yatra, the CM disbursed cheques for the development of Mohali, Kharar, Kurali and Nayagaon. Mohali received Rs 3 crore, Kharar and Kurali got Rs 2 crore each while Nayagaon received a grant of Rs 1 crore.

The CM also announced the construction of 2,000 flats for the inhabitants of Jagatpura, Amb Sahib and Guru Nanak slum colonies.

He directed the GMADA Chief Administrator to work on the sewerage scheme for Mataur village within a month.

Other major announcements included sites for religious places in Mohali, review of land acquisition plan in Desumajra and Fatehullapur villages of Kharar for 200-feet-wide road connecting Mohali-Kharar NH-21 with upcoming international airport, 14 acres of land for the District Administrative and Courts Complex in Sector 76 and a road to connect Popna village with the Mohali-Landran-Fatehgarh Sahib Road.

SIDELIGHTS

* While Punjab Cooperation Minister Capt Kanwaljit Singh had listed a number of demands to woo the Ramgarhia community, the CM did not even mention about them in his speech