Ludhiana, Sept. 11 -- A fresh controversy erupted on Wednesday during the "re-inauguration" of road construction work from Haibowal main bridge to Bhuri Wala Gurdwara, as locals and Congress leader Gurpreet Singh Gopi raised objections to the project.

Gopi, former councillor from Ward No. 93, alleged that funds meant for road construction in his area under the Smart City project were diverted and used to rebuild a road that was already constructed a few years ago. He accused Ludhiana (North) MLA Madan Lal Bagga of misusing the funds to start work on a stretch close to his office, instead of prioritising the areas in need.

"The road being constructed had already been built recently. It got damaged because of poor quality work. Now, inste...