Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today lashed at Union Defence Minister Mr. A.K. Antony for denigrating the martyrdom of five brave soldiers of Indian Army, who laid down their lives protecting the frontiers of our country.Speaking to Media persons after administering oath of office to ,,,,, Mr. Badal said that it was unfortunate that Defence Minister of India, who is father figure of our defence forces instead of saluting the martyrdom of our brave soldiers was busy in acting as Defence Minisster of Pakistan. He said that Defence Minister by not protecting the interests of Indian Soldiers and indirectly defending the action of Pakistan Army has breached the oath of elegance to the constitution and no moral right to remain on that seat. He said that Congress Party owes an apology to our armed forces for denigrating the martyrdom of five brave soldiers.
On being asked about asking to remove turban by Rome Airport Authority to Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee President, Mr. Badal lauding the stand of Mr. Manjit Singh GK not allowing Italian Airport Authorities to remove his turban said that despite repeated requests the Congress led UPA Government was proved badly failed again for safeguarding the religious rights of Sikhs. He said that it was very unfortunate that Sikhs was force to face humiliation at International Airports due to failure of Congress led UPA Government, which was unfortunately led by a Sikh Prime Minister. Mr. Badal said that GK’s defiant gesture has conveyed to the whole community that Sikhs would not allow anyone to meddle in their internal religious affairs.
Answering a query Mr. Badal said that turban was an intricate part of Sikh personality and nobody in the world has any right to denigrate the pious symbol of their Sikh identity. He said it was unfortunate that various democracies of US, Canada and European countries were adopting perocile and racial approach towards Sikh community, specifically targeting them at the international airport taking the plea of security. He said that Congress led UPA government owes and apology to the Sikh community for failing to give a firm message to all countries not to harass Sikh community at various airports. He said that it was double whammy for the Sikh community that they were being targeted when they are having Sikh Prime Minister in the country. Expressing concern over repeated incidents of targeting of Sikhs especially in Italy Mr. Badal said that there seems to be underlying conspiracy of Congress leadership in this.
Briefing about the pace of industrial development in the state, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was progressing in industrial sector by leaps and bounds and recently all company of heads of TATA visited the state to explore the possibilities of industrial expansion. He said that Punjab Government has recently unveiled attractive and unique industrial policy having lots of incentives for various kinds of industries. He said that Punjab would witness massive investments in industrial sector within few months as the state government was working day and night in this regard.
Giving details about the expansion of ongoing welfare schemes and development projects of Punjab Government, Mr. Badal said that with the visionary guidance of Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, state government has prepared a plan for complete facelift of the state and the execution of this ambitious project has been started. Mr. Badal said that Punjab would soon double the beneficiary of Atta Daal scheme from 15 lakh families to 30 lakh families besides launching of Scholarship scheme for meritorious students of Rs. 30000, employability allowance of Rs. 1000 to unemployed graduate youth, Rs. 30,000 cashless insurance to all 30 lakh Atta Daal families. He said that a plan under which Rs. 1700 crore would be expended for the repair of village link roads has also been initiated by state government for the facilitation of commuters besides linking of all cities and town with 4/6 lane roads with a project worth Rs. 40000 crore.
Earlier Congratulating the Sarpanches and Panches of Fazilka district district, Mr. Badal said that people of Punjab have brought back the ruling alliance on the basis of its development initiatives. He exhorted the newly elected 398 Sarpanches and 2710 Panches of the district to come forward for the overall development of their respective villages leaving behind the petty politics to make Punjab further prosper and No. 1 state in the country.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Mr. Kamal Sharma State President B.J.P. Punjab, S. Sher Singh Ghubaya M.P., Cabinet Minister S. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Cabinet Minister Ch. Surjit Kumar Jiani, S.Mantar Singh Barar CPS, S. Gurtej Singh Ghuriana MLA, S. Satinderjit Singh Manta, S.Charanjit Singh Barar, S. Vardev Singh Maan, ADC S. Charan Dev Singh Maan, Sh. Vipul Ujjval ADC(D) and senior leadership of SAD-BJP were also present.