Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that he is thankful to the people of Punjab for reposing faith and commitment in Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janta Party's development oriented policies by voting for them in the recently held Municipal elections. The CM also hailed the Union Railway budget by terming it as a people friendly, development oriented and a visionary initiative towards strengthening the national transport system of the country.The CM was speaking to media persons after visiting Senior Akali leader Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia at the Hero DMC Heart Institute, here. He had earlier visited the ailing leader on February 11. The CM also interacted with Mr Bhatia's family members and assured all possible help. Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia is undergoing treatment at Hero DMC Heart Institute, here, since January 28. The Punjab government is bearing all cost incurred on the treatment of Mr Amarjit Singh Bhatia.
The CM said that this superb victory has filled us with even greater humility, responsibility towards the aspirations of the people and accountability to their commands. He said that these results should not be merely construed as a victory in civic polls but it actually reflects the resentment amongst the voters against the malicious campaign unleashed by the Congress to defame the hard working and resilient Punjabis.
While commenting on the railway budget, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal complemented the Union Railways Minister Mr. Suresh Prabhu for presenting a far sighted Railway budget that aims at improving the amenities for the passengers, enhancing customer services and upgradation of the infra structure and laying thrust on governance and transparency in the Railways besides focusing on the Financial self sustainability of the ‘national carrier’.
He said that the decision of introducing ‘Perishable Cargo centers’ for the farmers at the important Railway stations was a revolutionary step aimed at facilitating the farmers. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that the announcement on embarking Kisan Yatra, a special travel scheme to help farmers to learn about new farming and marketing techniques, would also go a long way in bailing out the farmers from current agrarian crisis.
He also lauded the decision to construct 970 ROB/RUBs and carry out safety-related works to phase out 3438 level crossings at a total Railway expense of Rs. 6,581 crore.Later, the CM attended the wedding function of Punjab Mandi Board chairman Mr Ajmer Singh Lakhowal's granddaughter at a marriage palace on Pakhowal Road, here. He was accompanied by Finance Minister Mr Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Agriculture Minister Mr Tota Singh, Irrigation Minister Mr Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Transport Minister Mr Ajit Singh Kohar, MLAs Mr Manpreet Singh Ayali, Mr S R Kler, besides several others.