Terming Punjab Congress manifesto as “visionless” having nothing new to offer, SAD president Sukhbir Badal on Tuesday asserted that the poll document was an “admission” SAD-BJP combine’s development work during its decade-long rule.
“The manifesto is silent on power generation, road connectivity and civic amenities. The absence admits that SAD-BJP had provided it,” said Sukhbir while ridiculing that the Congress party has promised what has already been done or is being done by the state government or the NDA Government at the Centre.
“Congress, in its manifesto had to promise that it would continue with free power,” he said adding that they have to mention it because there was a scope of doubt.
He said that the manifesto only speaks about continuation of different schemes launched by the Akali government during its 10-year rule.
Hitting out at the Congress for announcing special tax status to Punjab in its manifesto, Sukhbir asked why it was not given to the state during the 10-year-long UPA regime.
Taking a dig at the Congress’ promise of ending VIP culture, Sukhbir said that the Congress state chief “Capt Amarinder Singh is using red light…all MlAs have vehicles with red beacon despite in opposition…When they can’t leave it while in opposition, when they have nothing, what do you expect if they assume power”.
Manpreet (Badal), who made this manifesto as he was the committee chairman, himself has 20 gunmen.
“Congress leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal had been fighting for long to get a government accommodation earmarked for former chief ministers,” he said.
Sukhbir also questioned his estranged cousin and former Finance Minister Manpreet Badal on subsidy promise. “Manpreet had resigned from Akali Dal demanding subsidy to farmers should be abolished. But now, he has changed his stand,” he added.
Sukhbir further take on Capt Amarinder saying that by using former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s “face” to release the election manifesto, Congress has “discredited” its Punjab leadership.
“For the past six months, Capt Amarinder is promising lot many things to the electorates, including loan waiver. No one believed him. So they bring in Manmohan Singh to release the manifesto soi that some people would believe them...To hide the “lies”, party used the face of Manmohan Singh,” he said.
“No one can trust Amarinder. He is a habitual liar,” Sukhbir said.