Terming the river waters as the lifeline of the people of the state, the Chief Minister Punjab Parkash Singh Badal 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 the people on the last leg of his three-day Sangat Darshan program held here in Lambi assembly constituency, Mr. 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 laborers, 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, the Chief Minister 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 state Congress Captain Amarinder Singh has played pivotal role in this. Talking about the issue of SYL canal's construction he said that the then Prime Minister of India Mrs. Indira Gandhi had laid foundation stone of project and Captain Amarinder Singh has welcomed this step amid great fanfare and gaiety. At that time too, the Akali Dal strongly raised its voice against this apathetic attitude and discriminatory treatment meted out to Punjab and now same sequence of events were happening once again. Answering a media query Mr. Badal said that as per the Riparian Rules Punjab has exclusive rights over its waters and not even a drop will be spared with anyone. He added that Rajasthan was given Punjab's water in an unjustified and arbitrary manner and the then Central government never took Punjab into confidence while deciding this crucial issue.
Ridiculing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its stand on the water issue, the Chief Minister said that the real face of AAP has been fully exposed with the affidavit it filed in court over the issue. He said that in its affidavit the Delhi government has stated Punjab's stand on the issue as unconstitutional and against the interests of nation and even stated that this decision of Punjab may lead to disintegration of country. He said that Mr. Arvind Kejriwal belonged to the state of Haryana and his affinity for the state was natural and thus expecting Kejriwal to safeguard Punjab rights would be utterly farce.Talking about the importance of holding Sangat Darshan programs Mr. Badal said that it was the best example of democracy. In this democratic set up, people are offered help as per their need. He added that besides saving efforts and time, the main purpose of Sangat Darshan program to ensure people's participation in developmental projects. He added that his primary duty was to solve people's problems at their doorstep.
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. He said that Sangat Darshan programs are held only in Punjab and that too is limited till the time SAD-BJP government was serving the people of state. He added that in a democratic set up, to ensure people's participation, Sangat Darshan was the most instrumental concept. In Sangat Darshan people's problems are resolved on merit basis and the officers concerned are held responsible for the works. He added that Congress and other parties tried to stop the Sangat Darshan program through courts but the courts too have endorsed this initiative.
Calling upon people to ensure their participation in developmental works, he said that people should themselves keep an eye on the works. He added that 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.The Chief Minister announced grants for panchayats of villages Khera, Sheranwala, Fatuhi Khera, Sikh Wala, Punjawa, Reranwali, Lambi and Nambardar Patti while holding Sangat Darshan of these villages.Prominent among others present included MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh, Punjab Agro Chairman Jathedar Dyal Singh Kolianwali, SAD District Coordinator Mr. Avtar Singh Vanwala, Chairman Mr. Tejinder Singh Middukhera, Puncofed Chairman Mr. Kulwinder Bhai Ka Kera and others.