Food and Civil supply minister of Punjab Bharat Bhushan Ashu gave a clarion call to the Punjabis to stood against BJP's nefarious agenda of defaming the national heroes of freedom struggle and targeting the historic institutions to erase the golden history of India.He said that Punjab always stood against injustice and following the legacy of great freedom fighters like Karnail Singh Issru we all must raise voice against the malicious propaganda of the RSS and BJP, who were trying to undermine the contribution of freedom fighters besides overpowering the constitutional institutions with an aim to change the history. Addressing an impressive gathering during the state-level function to mark the martyrdom day of great revolutionary Shaheed Karnail Singh Issru, who laid down his life during the liberation of Goa from Portuguese regime, here today at his native village, the Minister said that we Punjabis inherited the spirit of sacrifice from the great Sikh Gurus especially Sri Guru Arjun Dev ji and Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji who made supreme sacrifice against the tyranny unleashed by the Mughals, for the sake of humanity. He said that this legacy of self-sacrifice perpetuated from one generation to other and was one of the major force behind Punjab’s great contribution in the national freedom struggle. He further said that it was on record that Punjabis despite having two per cent of country’s total population had made huge sacrifices in terms of life imprisonment, capital punishment and even exile in captivity (Kalepaani).He said that the enormous contribution of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Lala Lajpat Rai, Sohan Singh Bhakna and several others would continue to inspire our younger generations besides imbibing the spirit of patriotism amongst them.He said that the Punjab government has decided to dedicate the year 2020 to the Development by providing enough financial aids to the local bodies and villages.
He said that the supply line of drugs have been broken by the Congress-led Punjab government and the state government is committed for the rehabilitation of former drug addicts and free treatment is also being offered to those who want to shun drugs on their own.Earlier, all senior leaders paid floral tributes at the statue of Shaheed Karnail Singh Issru at his village and call upon the people to follow the path shown by great freedom fighters.The Minister has also honoured the Charanjit Kaur, wife of Karnail Singh Issru and his sister Karnail Kaur who was specially invited by the Punjab Government. Karnail Kaur also sung a poem to mark respect for her brother's contribution to the freedom of Goa. Minister also announced the special grants of Rs 10 lakh for Fatehgarh sahib and Bassi Pathana and Khanna each assembly constituency.Member Parliament from Fatehgarh Sahib Dr Amar Singh , MLA Gurkirat Singh Kotli , MLA Lakhbir Singh Lakha, Amrik Singh Dhillon , Gurpreet Singh GP , Kuljeet Singh Nagra , former minister Malkit Singh Dakha has also addressed the gathering and thanked the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh for his visionary leadership and guidance for ensuring development and peoples welfare, especially by launching many pro-people policies especially the loan waiver to the of Rs 6500 crore to the farmers , launching war against drugs . They all also lauded the role played and sacrifice made by former chief minister Beant Singh in bringing peace and brotherhood in Punjab.Launching a direct attack against the SAD- BJP for anti-Punjab policies, they said that the people of Punjab have totally rejected the alliance by giving huge defeat in recently held Lok Sabha polls.Dr Amar Singh MP also announced a grant of Rs . 10 lakh to the club established at village Issru. Earlier Mahinderpal Jassal, secretary SAD joins the congress party. They were welcomed and honoured by the Minister and Congress MLAs.Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included former ministers Tej Prakash Singh kotli, Vikas Mehta president MC Khanna and workers of Congress party from across the state.