SAD president Sukhbir Badal addressing media persons in Chandigarh on Wednesday.
Chandigarh, October 19, 2016
Shiromani Akali Dal president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has dared Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Captain Amarinder Singh to spell out his any five main achievements made during his tenure. He also questioned Amarinder’s silence over comparing achievements of his tenure with 9 year achievements of SAD-BJP government.
Addressing media persons at party head office after inducting Punjab Congress General Secretary and former Deputy Mayor of Patiala Kabir Das into party folds, Badal said it was highly surprising that neither former Chief Minister nor any of his associate had ever uttered a single word to highlight the achievements of Congress government from 2002 to 2007. “Punjab government is highlighting its 9 year achievements through a booklet but Congress has nothing to say about its tenure. I asks Captain to list any 5 distinguished achievements of his tenure that he can explain proudly”, added Badal.
Describing ‘Kisan Yatra’ of Captain Amarinder Singh nothing but another attempt of 'Maharaja' to enjoy his pet road show drama, Shiromani Akali Dal president said Captain has failed to resolve farmer issues during his cavalcade drama. “Amarinder just travelling from one destination to another with his procession and chooses to reach his heaven before 6 PM to enjoy his luxurious life style”, said Badal.
Replying a media query regarding Amarinder’s promise of waiving off farm loans after gaining power, Deputy Chief Minister said it was an open secret that after gaining power in 2002 Captain Amrinder Singh had imposed the decision to charge power bills on farmers and reversed his promises of continuing free power subsidy provided by the previous SAD-BJP government. He said the Punjab government was doing its best in the country by providing interest free loans to farmers besides passing an act to ensure that no bank can charge interest double than the loan provided to the farmer. “If Captain really wants to gain credibility he should suggest to Congress governments' in other states like Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka to waive off farmers' debt in their respective states”, added Badal.
Deputy CM further added that Congress was nothing but a bundle of lies that worked only on the basis of misleading propaganda and Capt. Amarinder Singh is no exception to it. He said that in frustration Captain was committing false promises to lure the voters of state. “Captain is telling people that it is his last election which only shows his hunger to gain power for once. How one can believe such a person who has no vision or future plans and was just seeking favour to enjoy power for his last election?” added Badal.
In reply to another query regarding AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal’s proposed visit to state for releasing manifesto for industry, Badal appealed the media to ask Delhi CM regarding success rate of his manifesto in Delhi state. He said may it be free Wi-Fi, close circuit cameras, mohalla clinics, government jobs etc, AAP government has failed to realize even 1 percent of its promises made to the electorates of Delhi. He said that AAP would not succeed to get even 10 seats whereas Congress would gain maximum 20-25 seats in 2017 polls.
Badal said the SAD-BJP government has implemented its 95 to 97 percent of promises made with the people. He added that SAD-BJP coalition would contest 2017 polls only on the agenda of development and communal harmony.
Prominent amongst others present on this occasion included rural development and panchayats minister Sikander Singh Maluka, N. K. Sharma and Pawan Kumar Tinu, both MLAs, Manjinder Singh Sirsa Advisor to Deputy CM, Jangveer Singh, Media Advisor to Deputy CM and Charanjit Singh Brar and Parminder Singh Brar, both OSD to Deputy CM.