Punjab Congress chief Partap Singh Bajwa on Thursday met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and apprised her of the prevailing situation in the State. In his meeting, Bajwa requested the Congress chief to ask the concerned ministries to send special investigating teams to probe the charges of embezzlement of Central funds.
“In two recent cases, Animal Husbandry Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike and Education Minister Sikandar Singh Maluka are directly involved in misappropriation of Central funds. Ranike was responsible for siphoning off over Rs 20 crores grants meant for border area development, and the Chief Minister was instrumental in getting him a clean chit and one of his personal staff was held responsible for the entire scam,” Bajwa apprised Gandhi.
“Misuse of Central funds is not only issue, the failure of SAD-BJP Government in utilizing the central funds for lack of matching grant is another important matter that needs to be addressed. State’s economy is in shambles due to fiscal mismanagement,” he added.
Citing examples of political violence and terror unleashed by SAD-BJP Government on the Congress workers during the recently concluded Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections, Bajwa mentioned that four Congress leaders have lost their lives any large many number of them were attacked during the local elections. He added that SAD-BJP Government rigged Block Samiti and Zila Parishad poll and election was marred by violence and booth capturing.