Encouraged by the latest Crisil ratings declaring Punjab as the most progressive and richest State in India, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Tuesday said that this had again exposed the Congress for leading a misinformation campaign about the State’s financial health.
“The acclaimed rating agency, Crisil, in its recent report has declared Punjab as the most progressive and richest State. This declaration by an agency having credentials of international standing is enough to trash Congress’ hollow and meaningless statements over the state’s financial situation,” said Sukhbir, while addressing a gathering after laying foundation stone for remodeling Saidanwala distributary in village lakhiwala in district Mansa.
He said that the Congress leaders’ stance had exposed their anti-people and anti-Punjab face. “This also reflected that the Congress could go to any extent to derail the process of development, progress and welfare in the State,” he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister gave a clarion call to people of Punjab to defeat the Congress in ensuing parliamentary elections for the sake of all-round growth of the state. To encourage crop diversification in the predominantly agriculture state of Punjab, Sukhbir said that by December end, all small farmers with five acres of holdings would be given tube well connections within six months whereas pending connections would be allotted on priority by the end of this year.
Adding further, he said that the state government had launched a number of schemes for the welfare of traders, farmers and economically weaker sections of the society.
Total revamp of canals
Bathinda: Within two months, Punjab is likely witness total revamp of canals and distributaries. Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Tuesday announced that on completion of irrigation projects worth Rs 164 crore in Malwa cotton belt, all distributaries would get a facelift catering irrigation to 2.80 lakh acres of land.
Announcing it a historic day for peasantry of Malwa, Sukhbir said that relining and rehabilitation of canals and distributaries in Bathinda, Mansa and Sangrur districts will give boost to agriculture especially to farming of cotton and other cash crops. With the completion of these projects, 55,000 acres of land would also bring into already existing 2.80 acres farming area under irrigation system,” he said while speaking to media persons after laying foundation stone of sidelining of Bathinda branch at Canal Bridge.
Rubbishes rumours
Sangrur: Rubbishing all rumours regarding former Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala rejoining the SAD, Sukhbir said that there was no weight in such rumours being spread in state politics. “Punjab Chief Minister has already clarified that Barnala or none of his family member has met him to express their desire to rejoin Akali Dal. It’s all rumours, and nothing else,” said Sukhbir.