Haryana’s Energy, Transport & Labor Minister Anil Vij said that "I have a dream. I was born in Ambala Cantonment, I grew up here, I breathed its air, drank its water, studied in its schools and colleges, and even worked at the State Bank here. That’s why I want to make this city the best in Haryana."Sh.Vij made these remarks while addressing public meetings in Tundla, BD Flour Mill area, Boh, and Matidas Nagar as part of the Ambala Cantonment Municipal Council election campaign.
He criticized the opposition for failing to contribute even a single brick to Ambala Cantonment’s development. He stated that former MLAs and MPs did nothing for the city, but he continued to push forward the development agenda. "My list of achievements is extensive, and my party workers have compiled a ‘60 works in 60 seconds’ video highlighting my efforts—everyone should watch it."
*Development in previously neglected areas*
Cabinet Minister Anil Vij pointed out that areas like BD Flour Mill and several others were not originally part of Ambala Cantonment and were in a dire state—broken roads, no streetlights, and water shortages. However, after they were included in the Cantonment, he ensured development there, and now these areas have electricity, roads, water supply, sewage systems, and other facilities.
He emphasized that he had been working alone on development for years but now needs support from BJP’s Municipal Council President and 32 councilors. He urged the public to vote for BJP’s presidential candidate Swarn Kaur and all 32 councilor candidates to ensure uninterrupted development.
Campaigning for BJP candidates
Vij addressed gatherings in support of BJP candidates Bharat Kochhar (Ward 1), Rashmi Verma (Ward 17), Gaurav Saini (Ward 19), Mohit Kaushik (Ward 3), and Raman Chatwal (Ward 10). Large crowds of local residents and BJP workers attended these programs.
*No national or regional party could field candidates against BJP -Vij*
Sh.Vij claimed that no national or regional party had the courage to contest against BJP in the elections, leaving the field vacant. He said that with BJP governments at both the state and central levels, and himself as the BJP MLA from Ambala Cantonment, electing a BJP-led Municipal Council would ensure seamless development. He remarked, "From top to bottom, the full current of development projects will flow through."
He also mentioned that he was asking the public for "66 hands and 66 eyes"—referring to the need for 33 representatives (1 president and 32 councilors) to execute and oversee development projects. He expressed confidence that BJP candidates would secure victory in all wards.
*Ambala’s domestic airport to become operational after election code of conduct is lifted -Vij*
Sh. Vij said that Ambala Cantonment’s domestic airport is set to become operational soon, with flight routes already approved for Jammu, Ayodhya, Srinagar, and Lucknow. Several major airlines are interested in starting services from Ambala. "An airport brings rapid development wherever it is built," he stated.
*Seven-time MLA, dedicated entirely to Ambala’s development -Vij*
Sh.Vij highlighted that the people of Ambala Cantonment had elected him MLA seven times, making him the most successful BJP legislator in Haryana. He emphasized that instead of building a personal home, he dedicated his entire career to Ambala’s development.
He criticized previous MLAs and MPs for neglecting the area, stating that no government funds were allocated for development before him. He also recalled how three different Chief Ministers had laid foundation stones for a grain market in Ambala Cantonment, but the project never materialized until he finally made it happen. He dedicated his life to reviving the city’s development momentum.
*Major development projects in Ambala Cantonment*
Sh.Vij mentioned several completed and upcoming projects, including A memorial for the 1857 freedom struggle, which began in Ambala Cantonment. An SDM office to reduce the need for residents to travel to Ambala City for administrative work. International-level sports infrastructure, including a football stadium, all-weather swimming pool, gymnastics hall, and badminton hall.
Public fitness centers (yogshalas) across the Cantonment. Restoration of Subhash Park, after reclaiming encroached land. A new Civil Hospital, Atal Cancer Care Center, and multi-level car parking facility. The development of Bank Square, a ring road, and other key infrastructure projects.