The Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Punjab is the absolute gainer owing to the BJP led government at the center resulting in receiving adequate grants for development centric projects. He expressed supreme confidence that the SAD-BJP Government would be repeated for the 3rd consecutive time in the state to give more impetus to the pace of development.Interacting with media-persons during sangat darshan at Patiala-2 (Rural) constituency, the Deputy Chief Minister said that earlier, Punjab was getting very less share from the central funds, but the BJP led NDA government assuming reins at the center, States started receiving their due share from the central funds and in near future too, the states would receive more funds from central pool giving wings to the developmental projects.He elaborated that Punjab is receiving huge sums from the central government for development of roads, educational institutions and cities including Amritsar. Divulging more, he made it clear that the debt increasing ratio with respect to Punjab is very less when compared with other states and also that the loans taken by the Punjab government are being used for development projects.
Disclosing more, he said that during previous 9 years, Punjab has witnessed record progress with rapid transformation in road and power sectors besides launching pro-people schemes like---atta-dal scheme, pensions, free power, free health insurance scheme.Coming down heavily on AAP and Congress, he said that in stark contrast to the power hungry agenda of these parties, SAD-BJP government’s agenda is development centric. He also said that the SAD-BJP combine would not be affected by those who deserted the party or were ousted instead the party fully respects those who work dedicatedly towards it. He also made it clear that the tohra family is being accorded full respect within the party.Earlier addressing a huge gathering of people, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Punjab has witnessed an era of glory and fast paced development only at the time of a government under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal whereas Captain Amarinder Singh did nothing to force the pace of progress during his tenure as Chief Minister. Disclosing more, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that SAD-BJP government constructed several historical and religious memorials.
Taking further dig at Captain Amarinder Singh, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the man who is inaccessible to the people of Patiala, cannot be trusted to do any good to Punjab.Describing AAP as a bunch of anti-religious atheists, the Deputy Chief Minister said that these people want to rob Punjab and also that AAP constitutes the deserters and worthless elements from the other parties. Appealing to the people to vote for SAD-BJP government in next year’s assembly polls, he said that all other parties would not be able to maintain the momentum which has been the hallmark of SAD-BJP government.On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister distributed cheques of grants worth Rs. 20 crore to the 56 panchayats of Patiala-2 (Rural) constituency. This included 26 panchayats of Patiala block and 30 panchayats of Nabha block. He also listened to the problems of the people and instructed the officials present to redress these at the earliest.Among those present on the occasion were Cabinet minister Surjit Singh Rakhra, Former minister Surjit Singh Kohli, Incharge SAD halqa Patiala-2 (Rural) Advocate Satbir Singh Khattra, Patiala Mayor Amarinder Singh Bajaj and other prominent leaders besides civil and administrative officials.