Chandigarh, January 27
Sirsa Member of Parliament Kumari Selja has said that seating the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in the third row raises several serious questions. She said that this issue should concern not only the Congress party but the entire nation. Selja said that during the live telecast by Doordarshan and other television channels, the camera focus was deliberately kept on the front rows, centring on ministers, while both Leaders of Opposition remained largely invisible due to their seating in the third row.
Calling this conduct inconsistent with the dignity of constitutional positions, Selja said it reflects the lack of seriousness of the BJP government and its affiliated institutions towards maintaining democratic balance. She emphasised that the Republic Day is not an occasion for displaying power, but a day to honour the Constitution and democratic values.
Meanwhile, the gram panchayats of several villages falling under the Nathusari Chopta block have raised serious concern over long-standing illegal encroachments on panchayat land recorded as johads/ponds and formally submitted a memorandum to Selja. The panchayats stated that land officially recorded in revenue records as johads or ponds has been encroached upon by influential individuals through farming or construction activities, adversely impacting rainwater harvesting, drinking water availability for livestock and groundwater recharge.
The panchayats submitting the memorandum included Gusaiyana, Gigorani, Hanjira, Chadiwal, Jamal, Rajpura Sahni, Rupana alias Darwa Khurd, Rupawas, Jassania, Kariyawali, Rampura Nawabad (Bagaria), Dhukda, Nathusari Kalan, Kumharia, Kutiyana, Barasari, Rampura Dhillon, Nirban, Nejiya Khera, Alimohammad, Arniyawali and Nohar Khera. Panchayat representatives stated that in several villages, encroachments ranging from 20 to 100 acres of johad/pond land have been identified. Despite repeated representations at the local level, the lack of concrete action has led to growing disappointment among villagers.
Assuring the representatives, Selja said that the issue is not merely related to revenue records but is directly linked to water conservation and the rural ecological system. Selja said she would soon write to the Chief Minister of Haryana, demanding a balanced and just resolution of the matter. She added that she is taking the issue seriously and stands firmly with the people.
