Khaira Slams AAP Govt Over Unused Mohali VIP Helipad

Luxury Setup for Kejriwal Amid Punjab’s ₹4.50 Lakh Crore Debt

Mohali, February 1

Senior Congress leader and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Sunday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of wasting public money on a “useless” VIP helipad in Mohali and luxury arrangements at Vikas Bhawan for Arvind Kejriwal’s visits, even as the state grapples with a staggering ₹4.50 lakh crore debt.

Khaira highlighted media reports about the helipad, constructed by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) in Phase 8 near Vikas Bhawan. He claimed it remains completely unused because it lies within the flying zone of Mohali airport, requiring prolonged Indian Air Force (IAF) clearances that delay landings and takeoffs by 3-4 hours.

“If helicopters have to wait 3-4 hours and obtain multiple permissions just to land or take off, then what was the logic behind spending public money on such a project? Was no technical feasibility study conducted, or was this simply another VIP showpiece?” Khaira questioned.

The Congress leader alleged the facility was built mainly to ease visits by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who holds no constitutional office or administrative role in Punjab. He further claimed crores of rupees were spent converting Vikas Bhawan into a luxury stay for Kejriwal’s trips.

“This is deeply shameful. Punjab, a border state with serious financial stress, is being forced to foot the bill for the comfort and political tours of a leader from Delhi. Is the Punjab treasury now the personal hospitality fund of the AAP supremo?” Khaira said.He described the spending as “criminal insensitivity” amid Punjab’s debt crisis, farmer distress, youth unemployment, and urgent needs in education and healthcare.

He described the spending as “criminal insensitivity” amid Punjab’s debt crisis, farmer distress, youth unemployment, and urgent needs in education and healthcare.

Khaira demanded that a white paper on total expenditure for the Mohali helipad and Vikas Bhawan modifications be issued. He demanded for fixing accountability for officials and decision-makers who approved the unviable project.

He also sought an explanation from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on diverting scarce resources for someone with no official role in the state.”Punjab’s money belongs to its people, not to finance political tourism, VIP culture, and personal luxuries of AAP leadership,” Khaira asserted.