Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that Congress was pursuing its old policy of irrelevantly meddling in the religious affairs of Sikhs by undermining the position of Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib through its ‘B-team’ led by former President of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee Mr. Paramjeet Singh Sarna, which was totally intolerable.Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of Sangat Darshan program in the Lambi assembly segment here today, the Chief Minister categorically said that the filing of suite against Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib through an aide of Mr. Paramjeet Singh Sarna, who was a trusted agent of Congress, was testimony to the fact that Congress party was maneuvering to denigrate the revered position of Jathedar Sahib. He said that since time immemorial authority of Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib had never been questioned by anyone as sacred Sri Akal Takht Sahib was the highest temporal seat of Sikhs and even the mighty Kings like Maharaja Ranjit Singh had always bowed before the supreme power of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and ever accepted its orders (hukamnamas) thereby upholding its supremacy. Mr. Badal said that but by resorting to such cheap tactics the Congress and its agents were trying to dent the authority of Jathedar Sahib, which was unacceptable to any Sikh who believes in the tenets of Sikhism.
Replying to another query, the Chief Minister further said that just for the sake of taking political mileage the national Congress leadership was bent on destroying the federal feature of Indian constitution by ignoring the state government ruled by opposition parties during the inauguration of key projects. Mr. Badal said that as a votary of morality in politics he had always held the opposition in high esteem and had accorded ‘Red Carpet’ welcome to the leaders of oppositions of Union Ministers during their tours in the state. However he said that while laying the foundation stone of Cancer Hospital in Sangrur, the Congress leadership has stooped too low, which has given a fatal blow to the centre-state relationship. “But that will not deter us from welcoming the leaders of Union government to the state and we will give full honor and respect to PM or any other Minister, if they come to state”, he added. The Chief Minister further said that state government has taken path breaking initiatives to promote sports in the state adding that Punjab has introduced its own Sports policy thereby becoming the first state in the country to have a perfect Sports Policy. He said that as per its commitment with the sportspersons, the state government has given a status of DSP to the 10 players of different games who have won accolades for the state in the field of sports besides giving jobs to the other eminent players.When asked to comment on the arrangements made by the state government for ongoing paddy procurement, the Chief Minister said that it was the foremost duty of the state government to ensure a hassle free procurement of the farmer’s produce. He said that the entire arrangement for the smooth procurement process have been made so as to facilitate the farmers adding that 1795 purchase centers have been established across the state for this purpose.
Earlier addressing the gathering during the Sangat Darshan program in Karam Patti, Ratta Tibba, Mohlaan, Dhaniwala, Aspaalan, Bhagwanpura, Burj Sidhwan and Kabarwala village, the Chief Minister, while underscoring the need for adopting crop persification in the state, said that it would go a long way in bailing out the distressed peasantry from the current agrarian crisis. He said that the farmers must adopt the cultivation of crops like Soyabean, Maize and others which were more remunerative on one hand and less water intestive on the other. Mr. Badal also stressed upon the need for adopting agro forestry and fish farming for supplementing their income besides preventing the depletion of under-ground water table. He said that the farmers of the water logged areas must adopt fish farming as there was a tremendous scope in it adding that the state government would extend fulsome support to them in this cause.The Chief Minister also advised the farmers to adopt the technique of using the farm equipments on custom hiring basis to curtail the heavy cost expenditure meted out on farming. He said that the state government was giving 33% subsidy on this project. “Adopting this technique will not only reduce the cost of farm input but will also enhance your profits” added Mr. Badal.Meanwhile welcoming 24 Congress families into Akali fold, the Chief Minister said that they would be given due respect in the party.The Chief Minister was accompanied by MLA Mr. Harpreet Singh, Member SGPC Jathedar Dayal Singh Kolianwali, his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Paramjeet Singh.