Terming BJP leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Mr. Narendra Modi as the most eligible person for the coveted office of Prime Minister in the country, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that with the formation of NDA government at centre under his leadership, a new era of unprecedented development and prosperity would usher in the state. Addressing the gathering on first day of Sangat Darshan program in Dharamkot Assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister said that the anti-people and irrational policies of the Congress led UPA government at the centre has not only retarded the growth of the entire country but it has also adversely affected the prospects of the state. He said that the centre government’s anti-Punjab stance has given a fatal blow to the development of the state and the prosperity of its people. However, Mr. Badal said that the situation would witness a sea change after the formation of NDA government at the centre, which would pursue the agenda of developing Punjab as a leading state of the nation. Later on interacting with the media persons, the Chief Minister said that the Congress party must declare its Prime Ministerial candidate for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls so that the voters of the country could make a clear cut choice between the persons who would lead the nation.
He said that in the current scenario the general elections were not only confined to the choice of the party by the voters but it was also a referendum for the leadership of any party. “Rather than shying away from declaring its Prime Ministerial candidate, the Congress party must announce their ‘General’ for Lok Sabha polls so as to test his leadership qualities” added Mr. Badal. Reiterating that SAD-BJP alliance would sweep the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls in the state, the Chief Minister said that the alliance would contest the elections on the plank of development, peace and communal harmony. Profusely thanking the people for giving their verdict in the favor of the SAD time and again, he said that the recent victory of Akali Dal on three seats in Delhi assembly reflected the unflinching faith reposed by the voters in its constructive and development oriented policies. “Our success rate has been highest in Delhi assembly polls as we have won three out of the four seats contested by us, which was a testimony to the popularity and credibility of the party amongst the electorate” added Mr. Badal.The Chief Minister further said that in order to make the optimum utilization of the vacant lands in the villages, the Panchayats should avail the facility of getting priority tube well connections for these lands so that the income of their could be supplemented. Likewise, he said that the government has also embarked a new policy of providing assistance to the Panchayats for leveling the village land so as to ensure their judicious use. Mr. Badal appealed the Panchayats to take advantage of these policies of the state government for ensuring the holistic and sustainable development of the villages.
Highlighting the significance of Sangat Darshan programs, the Chief Minister said that it was on record that besides giving a major fillip to the overall development of the state, these programs have been instrumental in mitigating the woes of common people. He reiterated that the concept of Sangat Darshan was an integral part of state’s governance as it has virtually brought the government at the doorsteps of people thereby bridging the communication gap between the masses and the administration, which normally hindered the process of progress. Mr. Badal further said that besides acting as a catalyst for redressing the grievances of people, the Sangat Darshan programs were also helpful for the state government to adjudge the working of officers of the various departments. Later on the Chief Minister also laid down the foundation stone of upcoming Sub-Tehsil complex in Kot Isse Khan.The Chief Minister was accompanied by former Minister and local MLA Jathedar Tota Singh, Lok Sabha MP Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur Gulshan, former MP Mr. Kewal Singh, Youth Akali leader Mr. Barjinder Singh Brar and his Special Principal Secretary Mr. Gurkirat Kirpal Singh.