Rakhra (Patiala) – Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today dared the entire state Congress leadership to categorically issue a statement against the Congress led UPA government for immediately demanding roll back of the recent hike in prices of petrol.
Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of the death anniversary of Subedar Kartar Singh, father of former MLA and Chairman SAD NRI Cell Mr Surjeet Singh Rakhra here, the Chief Minister slammed the Congress leaders for remaining mum over this vital issue concerning the common man. Mr Badal asked the PPCC President Captain Amarinder Singh and leader of the opposition in the state assembly Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal that instead of advising the state government for slashing the local taxes levied on petrol in terms of VAT rather they should have mounted pressure on the national Congress leadership to refrain from effecting frequent price hikes in the petroleum products. Realizing the plight of the common man, Mr Badal however said that the state government was seriously contemplating to slash the rate of VAT on petrol to some extent to give some relief. He mentioned that the UPA government had enhanced the prices of petrol six times subsequently in just one year. Mr Badal said that despite of blatant discrimination against Punjab the Congress leaders have always maintained stone silence over the constant excesses done to state. “Congress leaders are hypocrites in true sense as they are just shedding crocodile tears on the issues relating to Punjab but never bothered to solve them in the right earnest” said the Chief Minister.
Slamming the state Congress leaders, Mr Badal said that they were more concerned to oppose the over all development in the state rather than appreciating it. He said that the obstacles created by the Congress leadership had already delayed the project of Bathinda refinery due to which its cost has increased by Rs 3000 crore. The Chief Minister also assailed the Congress leaders for dissuading the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh from coming to the state for inaugurating the Virasat-E- Khalsa Cnetre at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 25th. “Our government ardently wished that such a world class project of historic eminence should have been dedicated to the nation by a man of the stature not less than that of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. But unfortunately the Congress leaders due to their myopic outlook could not come out of the cocoons of vested political interests” he added.
Mr Badal said that though he had always been a votary of morality in political system but it was disgusting that in absence of any major issues against the SAD-BJP alliance the State Congress leaders were habitual of using the derogatory language against him and his family. The Chief Minister said that during his long political career he had always utilized his precious time in raising the issues concerning the common man rather frittering it away in unwarranted political rivalry. He said that our government have conceptualized some prestigious historic monuments including Chota Ghalughara at Kahnuwan at district Gurdaspur, Wadda Ghalughara at Kup Rahira at district Sangrur and Chapparchiri Memorial at SAS Nagar (Mohali) from day one we assumed the office to perpetuate the rich legacy amongst the future generations. Mr Badal said that these projects would be dedicated to nation on November 28, 29 and 30 respectively with great enthusiasm and fanfare. “My sole focus is to ensure the development of the state but that of my rivals in the Congress is to criticize me and my development initiatives” he added.
Asked to comment on the statement of Leader of opposition Mrs Rajinder Kaur Bhattal referring you as not a true Sikh, Mr Badal said that the people of Punjab knew me and are well aware of my credentials and he didn’t need any certificate from her in this behalf. On a query regarding the review of seat arrangements between the SAD and BJP in the coming assembly polls, the Chief Minister said that though the number of seats to be contested by each party would remain the same however the possibility of change in some seats would be explored in deliberations at the level of both the parties. Mr Badal also said that they would also see the possibility of alliance with like minded parties in order to ensure the defeat of Congress in these polls.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Rajya Sabha MP Mr Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Chairman Backward Classes Punjab Prof. Kirpal Singh Badungar, Former MLA Mr Surjeet Singh Rakhra, Mr Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, Mr Charanjeet Singh Dhaliwal and SAD General Secretary Prof Prem Singh Chandumajra. Education Minister Mr. Sewa Singh Sekhwan, Cultureal Afair Minister Mr. Hira Singh Gabaria, Former SGPC President Bibi Jagir Kaur & other prominent person were also present on the occausen.
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