Terming the river waters as the lifeline of the people of Punjab, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Tuesday called upon them to be prepared to face any tough battle in the near future to safeguard their rights over the contentious issue river waters.
Addressing people on the last leg of his three-day Sangat Darshan program in lambi assembly constituency, Badal said that the issue of river waters was not merely restricted to farming community rather it was associated with the overall development and prosperity of the state.
He said that if the state was robbed off its water, its fertile lands will turn into desert and not only the farming community, the entire economy of the State would be in doldrums.
Describing agriculture as the backbone of State's economy, he said that the farm labourers, commission agents, traders and even industrialists would be adversely affected and thus appealed the people to leave no stone unturned to safeguard the state’s legitimate right over its river waters.
Making people aware of the Congress’ role in robbing state off its water, Badal said that Congress-led Governments never missed any opportunity to divest the people from their rightful share in their river waters and the incumbent chief of the state Congress Capt Amarinder Singh has played pivotal role in this.
Ridiculing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its stand on the water issue, Badal said that the real face of AAP has been fully exposed with the affidavit it filed in court over the issue.
Talking about the importance of holding Sangat Darshan programs, Badal said that it was the best example of democracy. “My primary duty is to solve people's problems at their doorstep,” he said.
Holding Sangat Darshan in sweltering hot summer, Badal said though the doctors have advised him to stay away from excessive hot or cold weather, but such weather cannot dissuade him from meeting his goals and he will keep on performing his duty.
Calling upon people to ensure their participation in developmental works, Badal said that people should themselves keep an eye on the works. “Besides ensuring timely completion of project, the quality of work too is improved and any kind of discrepancy in project implementation can also be checked. While keeping an eye on the project, people also realize their duties,” he added.