‘Matter of pride’: Khattar congratulates Karnal residents

Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar has congratulated people of Karnal on the city being selected for the Presidential award for cleanliness. Seeking continued public cooperation, he said Karnal’s inclusion in the list of the cleanest cities under the Swachh Survekshan was a matter of pride for all.

During his visit to the BJP office Karna Kamal on Sunday, Khattar credited the achievement to the combined efforts of public representatives, sanitation workers and citizens. He emphasised that the award reflects the dedication of cleanliness workers and the public’s active cooperation.

The Union Minister highlighted that under the Swachh Bharat Mission, cleanliness surveys have been conducted for years by independent agencies. Based on their reports and population, cities are categorised into five groups.

Khattar said that Karnal was among 100 cities chosen under a pilot project by the Government of India. A major progress has been made in the city under the Smart City project and pending works will be completed soon. He urged citizens to continue supporting cleanliness efforts to make Karnal a model for others.

Earlier, responding to media queries, Khattar criticised Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and accuses him of forgetting democratic decorum. Referring to Mann’s remarks on PM Modi’s foreign visits, he said, “Mann must maintain dignity in public discourse. The public does not tolerate such comments against a popular leader. Those who behave this way are always taught a lesson by the people—and Punjab is ready to do the same.”

On the Bihar Assembly elections, Khattar took a dig at Rahul Gandhi for carrying the Constitution and comparing Bihar to Maharashtra. “He lacks a strategy to revive his party,” he said.

On Gandhi’s criticism of the BJP-JD(U) alliance, Khattar said the alliance was strong and gaining ground, making the opposition uneasy.

Commenting on voter list updates, he said the Election Commission is actively revising records to prevent irregularities and has launched a campaign to engage with voters directly.

Haryana Tribune