People of Sirsa are not for sale, retorts Kanda

Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP) candidate Gopal Kanda has fired back at his critics, stating that those insulting the people of Sirsa by calling them “sellouts” will get their answer on October 5 when voters go to the polls. He said the people of Sirsa were not for sale and they would deliver a winning result for the HLP. Kanda was addressing a women’s gathering at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk on Monday evening.

Kanda, defending his community service, said, “Some criticise me for hosting saints and organising religious gatherings, but I will continue this tradition because Sirsa is a land of faith and will remain so.” He vowed that Sirsa would not fall into the hands of those who would turn it into a hub of lawlessness.

Highlighting his contributions to women’s empowerment, Kanda spoke about the free training centres set up in Sirsa in memory of his mother, Radha Devi. These centres provide free training in tailoring, embroidery and beauty services, helping many women become self-reliant. He promised to open these centres in every village and ward in Sirsa, to create more opportunities for women.

Kanda also promised to establish machines, which turn cow dung into wood-like material, in every cowshed in Sirsa if he wins, creating jobs for at least 50 women per machine. This material could be used in religious rituals like havana.

Turning to the issue of drug abuse, Kanda called it the biggest problem facing society today. He promised to set up a modern rehabilitation centre in Sirsa and work to establish a special industrial zone like Himachal’s Baddi to create jobs for youth, helping them escape the trap of drugs. Addressing allegations against him, Kanda said, “Those accusing me of distributing drugs should look in the mirror. The Kanda family neither consumes nor promotes drugs. I am only addicted to serving society, the poor and promoting the Sanatan Dharma.” He vowed to focus heavily on combating drug addiction over the next five years.