Ambala: Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij while addressing media persons here said state BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli, who is a co-accused in a gangrape case registered in Himachal Pradesh, should resign to maintain the sanctity of the party. In a reply to a question raised by media persons. Vij said: “Mohan Lal ji has said he is innocent, and the witness has also stated her innocence. I have full confidence that the Himachal Pradesh Police’s investigation will prove him innocent. However, until the Himachal Police clear him, he should resign from his position to maintain the sanctity of the party.”
Vij made these statements in Ambala Cantonment after inaugurating of various developmental projects. Rhough, earlier, he had described the allegations as serious. Badoli and singer Rocky Mittal were named in a gangrape case, registered on December 13, 2024, at Kasauli police station. A woman had alleged that Badoli and Mittal had forced her to consume alcohol and raped her at a hotel in Kasauli (Solan) in July 2023, and even added that they had also shot her compromising videos and photos when she was under the influence of liquor and assured her job in Haryana.
Meanwhile, regarding a letter issued against “corrupt” Patwaris, Vij said if they had done anything wrong, action would be taken against them. “The government has collected data, and I appreciate the government for gathering this information.” He also appealed to patwaris to work for the welfare of the people. Vij said that “If they have done anything wrong, action will be taken against them. He also appealed to Patwaris saying that “Work for the people, and there should be no corruption.
On the issue of Yamunanagar thermal power plant, Vij said, “All hurdles for establishing an 800 MW thermal power plant have been cleared. I spoke to the Environment Minister about this a couple of days ago, and I hope his letter will be received. When the letter is received, we will issue instructions to the agency to begin their work immediately.” While clarifying issues related to electricity surcharges, he said, “No electricity surcharge has been increased in Haryana. The surcharge from last year has simply been continued.”
Vij made these statements while talking to media persons in Ambala Cantt after inaugurating various development projects, including a cycle track, boundary walls, street lights, a park and fountain at Capital Chowk in Ambala Cantt. He was responding to questions about opposition leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s remarks on the power plant and electricity surcharge. When questioned about the surcharge, Vij sarcastically remarked that “They do not even read the letters; that was last year’s letter. The same surcharge as last year has been continued.” He criticized the opposition, saying, “But they are quick to make statements. They see a letter and immediately issue a statement. First, read the entire letter and understand what is written—it clearly states that the surcharge has been continued, and no new surcharge has been imposed.”
Anil Vij strongly reacted to Rahul Gandhi’s statement that his fight is against India. Vij said, “It seems that the British, who enslaved us for so many years and against whom we fought and gained independence, are still alive within Rahul Gandhi. The Congress party itself was founded by a British man, A.O. Hume. Somewhere within him (Rahul Gandhi), George Soros is also speaking against India. These are the same forces fighting against the country, and Rahul Gandhi is leading them.”
On the issue of repatriation of police staff from Haryana’s transport department, Transport Minister Anil Vij said that police and civil officers undergo different training. Police are trained for law enforcement, while civil officers receive separate training. Everyone should perform tasks they are designated for. He added that the Central Personnel Ministry has repeatedly written to the Haryana government, emphasizing that the staff of a department should be employed within that department only.
Reacting to the statement by former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda that the Haryana government is depriving farmers of compensation and MSP, Cabinet Minister Anil Vij said that the government is taking numerous steps to ensure the well-being of all sections and is leveraging technology to benefit people. He noted that people have benefitted from these initiatives, which is why they re-elected the government. On the issue of imposing penal rent after Hooda vacated the official residence, Vij said that this is as per the rules, and actions are taken accordingly.
On a media question on the case of money laundering involving Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Cabinet Minister Anil Vij said that the investigation will uncover all details. He added that “This party (AAP), which came to power with certain promises, has done the opposite. They didn’t clean the Yamuna so that people could have clean drinking water, but they did serve alcohol to people in every street.”
Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labor Minister Anil Vij said that “Prioritizing the health of the people, we have built a state-of-the-art civil hospital in Ambala equipped with modern medical facilities. Similarly, a cycle track has been constructed at Gandhi Ground in Ambala to promote fitness and encourage people to stay healthy by cycling daily.” The Cabinet Minister himself rode a bicycle on the nearly one-kilometer-long newly constructed track while humming a song. He encouraged people to stay fit by cycling and said, “We are consistently working to secure Ambala Cantt’s rightful place. Through continuous development projects, we are enhancing its beauty and grandeur. Today’s inauguration of the cycle track is a part of this effort,” he said.”
Vij emphasized that a modern civil hospital has been built in Ambala to ensure better healthcare facilities. “Earlier, the hospital had an OPD of 300 patients, but now it handles over 3,000 patients as it is air-conditioned and equipped with all necessary medical facilities,” he said,”To ensure people remain healthy, Subhash Park was developed where individuals can walk in the mornings and evenings and enjoy the park’s beauty. Many visitors, even from outside, find great joy and peace in its grandeur and ambiance.” Highlighting the importance of fitness, Vij said that “To promote exercise, a cycle track has been constructed at Gandhi Ground, Ambala Cantt. Cycling is an excellent form of exercise that engages the entire body. I also plan to use this track whenever I get the time.” The former health minister minister announced plans for a cycling app where users can unlock and use the bicycles provided on-site. “Currently, 10 bicycles have been made available, and more will be added based on demand. Our aim is to promote health and happiness by encouraging physical fitness,” he added.
” With a Night Food Street being developed on one corner, people will soon be able to enjoy dishes from various states there.” He also mentioned that streetlights have been installed on both sides of the road and at the cemetery across from Gandhi Ground. Additionally, a fire brigade office and a state-of-the-art Bank Square cum shopping mall are being constructed, which will include all major banks, parking, restaurants, and other facilities.
The Transport Minister inaugurated the Rs 32.93 lakh fountain and park at Capital Chowk and dedicated it to the residents. He took a selfie at the “I Love Ambala Sadar” selfie point and dedicated to this facility to the people. He instructed officials to ensure the fountain operates continuously and that lights are well-maintained. Vij also announced plans to install decorative lights along Jagadhri Road, similar to those in Sadar Bazar.
