Major political parties including ruling Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday accused each other of compromising the State’s interest over various issues at their separate political conferences organised on the occasion of Baisakhi.
In their gatherings at Talwandi Sabo, they criticised each other on various issues like sacrilege of holy book Guru Granth Sahib, Sutlej Yamuna link (SYl) Canal, drugs, and plight of farmers.
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh attacked the SAD over the drugs issue and vowed to put smugglers behind bars once the party is voted to power.
“The two Chittas (white fly and smack synthetic drugs) have ruined the farmers and youths. And to save Punjab, bring Congress back to power,” he said at his party’s conference.
He asked the Punjabis to beware of “Chitta kira and Chitti Topi” (white fly and Aam Aadmi Party) who are “playing” with their future.
Sanjay Singh of AAP said the ruling party has filed a case against him for associating Revenue Minister Bikram Majithia with smuggling. “I still say AAP shall replace corrupt Government of Punjab and put the drug traffickers behind bars,” he said.
The party’s MP Bhagwant Singh Mann criticised the State’s education system and appealed to the voters to vote APP to power.
AAP leader Sucha Singh Chhotepur asked people to see who is behind the
recent incidents of sacrilege, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the SYl canal dispute, and the drugs issue.
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal at his party’s gathering hailed Baisakhi and the role of Punjabis in the Independence struggle and other crises in the country.
“I shall not allow a single drop of water to go out of Punjab and I am willing to sacrifice myself,” he said.
He said Congress was behind the 1984 attack on the Sikh faiths most sacred shrine and the SYl tussle.
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal promised 12,000 jobs in various departments within four months and pledged to fulfil all the promises made to the people of Punjab.
Detailed reports on Page 3