Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia today asserted that the incumbent alliance in the state will safeguard the water rights of Punjab at all costs and they will leave no stone unturned to save state's water.Reiterating the resolve of Punjab Government to protect its water, Mr. Majithia said that decisions against the rights and interests of state will not be acceptable since Punjab does have a single drop of water to spare.While interacting with media persons after disbursing a grant of Rs. 17 lakh to village Kotla Tarkhana for development purposes, Mr. Majithia held Congress Party and Gandhi family completely responsible for construction of Satlej Yamuna Link canal. He said that Gandhi family has been remained always against Punjab and now Mr. Rahul Gandhi should explain his stand over the issue of SYL. He said that after independence Punjab has suffered a lot due to indifferent attitude meted out by Congress.
Advocating the Riparian Principle, Mr. Majithia said that Punjab should be given its right as per the Riparian rights to avert further fracas over the issue. Mr. Majithia also accused Aam Aadmi Party Chief Mr. Arvind Kejriwal for his double standard statements. He said that AAP chief strongly advocated the state's water right when he was in Punjab but after entering New Delhi he opted to politicise the issue, which exposes his real face. He said that Punjabis will teach a lesson to 'political opportunist' Mr. Kejriwal in 2017 as they have understood his political gimmicks.Lauding the historic decision taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, Mr. Majithia said that with this landmark decision Chief Minister has got a resolution passed, which will provide the possessions on 4000 acres SYL land to farmers free of cost. Answering a query Mr. Majithia said that Punjab has not have a single drop of water to spare and it will take every possible step to save its waters.
Referring to a query regarding Mr. Rahul Gandhi's take over drug abuse in Punjab, Mr. Majithia said that Congress vice president was all out to defame Punjab by dubbing Punjabis as drug addicts. He said that Mr. Rahul had remained badly failed to furnish a single study in this regard while the reality was Punjab had done commendable job to eliminate the menace of drugs. He said that people of Punjab will give the befitting reply of Mr. Gandhi against his misleading propaganda in time to come.Earlier Mr. Majithia also presided over 26th sports tournament in village Mann, where he gave away the prizes to winner and runners up team in Football. He also awarded the winners of 1500 meter race.In his address the Minister exhorted the youngsters to actively participate in sports activities with a view to building healthy society.
He also urged village Panchayats and parents to motivate the youth towards sports.Congratulating the office bearers of Baba Budha Ji Sports Club village Mann, Mr. Majithia announced a grant of Rs. 3 lakh for setting of Gym in village and Rs. 1 lakh for sports club. He said that Punjab had set aside a budget of Rs. 200 crore for sports in the state. He said that State will provide sports kits at a cost of Rs. 75 crore in coming months besides opening 4000 modern gyms at a cost of Rs. 200 crore.While handing over the cheques of grants worth Rs. 17 lakh in village Kotla Tarkhana, Mr. Majithia said that there will be no shortage of funds for development purposes. He also asked the Panchayats to ensure the proper supervision and execution of development projects so that quality works could be witnessed.Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Major Shivi, Sarpanch Balwinder Singh, Talbir Singh Gill, Dr. Tarsem Singh Sialka, Prof. Sarchand Singh and Kulwinder Singh Dhariwal.