Bajwa dares Badals to make their assets public
Friday, 20/09/2013
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130920/punjab.htm#3
Mandi Ahmedgarh : Congress leaders led by PPCC president Partap Singh Bajwa and Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Manish Tewari today lashed out at the Akalis for “misgovernance” during a conference held at Chhapar Mela near here.
Addressing a large gathering, Bajwa said the state government had failed to safeguard the interests of all sections of society, mainly small farmers and traders, besides employees. Labelling SAD and BJP as communal parties, Bajwa said the SAD had joined hands with parties that had been spreading communal hatred. On Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal’s statement to bring back black money stashed in foreign banks, Bajwa said nothing could be more ridiculous than this claim. “Let the Badals make their assets public and explain the source of funds for their ever-expanding business empire that comprises seven-star hotels, lavish farm houses, transport business besides investments in real estate and liquor trade,” alleged Bajwa.
The PPCC chief slammed SAD leaders for boycotting a function of CPS Navjot Kaur Sidhu in Amritsar. He said the Akalis had now started pressuring Amritsar MP Navjot Singh Sidhu’s wife.
Tewari detailed achievements of the Union Government and facilities and grants provided by it to Punjab. He announced to give Rs 10 lakh for development of Chhapar village. Congress Legislature Party leader Sunil Jakhar argued why the state government could not give a higher bonus to farmers when Rajasthan was giving Rs 150 per quital as bonus.
Former CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal said the SAD’s dynastic rule had “ruined” the state. She alleged the Badals were responsible for the farmers’ plight as the Centre wanted to transfer flood relief amount directly to the bank accounts of farmers, but the state government did not cooperate.
Congress open to electoral alliances
Bajwa has hinted that the Congress was open for an alliance with like-minded parties for the parliamentary poll. He said a committee headed by Union Minister AK Antony had been entrusted with the task of working out alliances at the state level.
