Ahmedabad/Bhuj, April 22 (IANS) Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Wednesday said that action against illegal properties of alleged criminals and anti-social elements is being carried out using the Chief Minister’s bulldozers, presenting it as part of the state government’s approach to maintaining law and order.​

Addressing a gathering in Bhuj after a road show held as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s campaign for local self-government elections, Sanghavi said, “Today, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s bulldozer is operating on illegal properties and encroachments of anti-social elements and criminals.”​

He added that “the BJP government is committed to ensuring development while maintaining a strong law and order situation.”​

The road show, held from Jubilee Circle to Chhathi Bari, drew large crowds along the route.​

Sanghavi criticised previous Congress governments, stating, “They had failed to provide basic facilities such as electricity, water, and roads, while under BJP governance these services had been delivered alongside broader development.”​

Similar remarks were made by Sanghavi during public meetings held in the Dariyapur, Khadia, and Lambha areas of Ahmedabad.​

Referring again to enforcement action, he said, “We all know which party feels discomfort when bulldozers act on illegal properties of criminals.”​

He also stated that no one who commits crimes against citizens would be spared and that those responsible for serious offences would remain in jail.​

Addressing a gathering in Dariyapur, he said, “Dariyapur is not just an area, but the heart of Ahmedabad,” and referred to its historic poles, narrow lanes, and temples as part of the city’s heritage.​

He noted that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel began his public life there after being elected a municipal councillor in 1917.​

In Khadia, Sanghavi described the area as “sacred, revolutionary and the centre of the rise of Jan Sangh” and paid tribute to former leader Ashok Bhatt.​

He also referred to past law-and-order challenges, stating, “During earlier periods, even organising the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath required effort and was marked by incidents such as attacks, stone-pelting and firing.”​

At a public meeting in Lambha, Sanghavi outlined development projects in Lambha and Narol, stating that priority had been given to basic infrastructure.​

“New drainage lines and water purification works in Rangoli Nagar had been completed on a war footing to address waterlogging during the monsoon,” he noted.​

He also referred to the inauguration of the Lambha lake, road, and street lighting projects, and the construction of an urban health centre and a community health centre.​

“Facilities for social occasions, including party plots, were also being developed, while crematoriums had been upgraded with seating and water arrangements to reduce difficulties for residents,” he said.​

Criticising those opposing the strengthening of the Disturbed Areas Act, he said that “certain parties with the hand symbol and others are uneasy with its strengthening”.​

–IANS

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