The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal termed the resignation of President Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee Captain Amarinder Singh and Congress MLAs on the outcome of the Apex Court’s judgement on Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) as a political stunt.Talking to the media persons on the sidelines of a function to mark 90th birthday of Chattisgarh Governor Mr. Balram Ji Dass Tandon here today, the Chief Minister preferred not to speak on the issue said that hardly two month were left for hustings to state assembly thus the Congress was in over drive mode to play all these gimmicks. He dared the Congress leaders to clarify their stand whether they would seek re-election for this August house after two months or not. He said that the state Cabinet and Shiromani Akali Dal would chalk out a strategy after due deliberations for future course of action.Addressing the gathering during a function to commemorate 90th birthday of Chattisgarh Governor Mr Balram ji Dass Tandon here today at Tagore Theatre, the Chief Minister said that since ages history of Punjab was replete with the saga of unprecedented valour, patriotism and self-sacrifice to safeguard the integrity, sovereignty and dignity of the world’s largest democracy. He said that even now Punjabis were ever ready to make any sacrifice at the altar of their motherland to protect its honour and glory. However, Mr. Badal rued that despite of immense contribution in the socio-economic development of the country, a lot of injustice had been meted out to state, which must be undone without any further delay.
Felicitating the Chattisgarh Governor Mr. Balram ji Dass Tandon on his 90th Birthday, the Chief Minister wished him the best of health, longevity and prosperity in the future. Recalling his long and cordial ties with Mr Balram Ji Dass Tandon, the Chief Minister said that foundation of SAD-BJP alliance was laid by Mr Tandon along with another veteran late Dr Baldev Parkash. He said that Mr Tandon played a key role in cementing the ethos of communal harmony, peace and brotherhood in the state. Mr Badal said that it was a matter of great pride for all the Punjabis that this great son of soil was today serving the country as Governor of Chattisgarh.The Chief Minister also reminded the people about his long association with Mr Tandon right from pre - partition days. He lauded Mr Tandon for zealously serving the people during his long and chequered political career spanning over more than six decades. Mr Badal also recalled the great social service of people done by the Chattisgarh Governor by helping the refugees after independence and now through his NGO-Competent Foundation. "Mr Tandon played a key role in building of new Punjab and I wish him long and healthy life", added Mr Badal.
In his address state BJP Chief and Union Minister of state Mr. Vijay Sampla said that life of Mr. Tandon was a source of inspiration for every party worker. He said that Mr. Tandon with his rare acumen and vision groomed the pieces of glasses into gems. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh Mr Mohan Bhagwat, Governor of Haryana Prof. Kaptaan Singh Solanki, Haryana Chief Minister Mr Manohar Lal Khattar, Cabinet Ministers Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, Mr Surjit Kumar Jiyani and Bhagat Chunni Lal, Rajya Sabha MP Mr Balwinder Singh Bhunder, Advisor to Chief Minister Mr Tikshan Sud, Vice Chairman State Planning Board Prof Rajinder Bhandari, former state BJP Chief Mr. Kamal Sharma, MLAs Mr Manoranjan Kalia, Mr Ashwani Sharma and Mr Som Parkash, BJP leader Mr Parveen Bansal and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr S Karunaraju.