Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal today urged Congress Amritsar candidate Capt Amarinder Singh to stop playing communal cards and refrain from vitiating the electoral atmosphere in Amritsar.In a statement here, the SAD President said it was unfortunate that the former chief minister, who of all people should understand the necessity of maintaining communal harmony at all costs, was trying to sow communal discord in Amritsar with his statements. "This is a very serious and unfortunate development", the SAD President said adding "I find it beneath contempt to even respond to such political statements which were solely aimed at creating friction in society".
Mr Badal said as far as he was concerned, the people would express their mandate on the pro development policies of the SAD- BJP government as well as vote for ousting the corrupt and inefficient Congress led UPA government at the centre. "It seems the real time issues of the people do not concern the Maharaja who still feels he can fool the people through his pide and rule politics aimed at arraigning one brother against the other in Punjab".
The SAD President said the people of Punjab wanted the present communal harmony and brotherhood to be preserved at all costs. "They have put their faith in the SAD-BJP government led by Parkash Singh Badal repeatedly because they believe Badal Sahab lays the utmost importance in preserving communal peace and brotherhood".
He said the SAD would not fall into Capt Singh's trap and would not make the contest in Amritsar a communal contest. "I have been clear from day one that we will let the development undertaken by us speak for itself". He said as far as Amritsar was concerned, a lot had been done including beautification of the city, creation of infrastructure including flyovers, initiation of sewerage facilities and improving connectivity by the start of the City Bus Service. "Much more is in the pipeline and with Mr Arun Jaitely representing the holy city in the next NDA government Amritsar's development is likely to be further fast tracked", he added.
Finally the SAD President asked Capt Singh to detail his poll agenda if he had any. "People want to know what you have in plan for Amritsar. What you did for Amritsar during you last tenure as chief minister and what will you do in case you are elected as its mp. You are however fixated on the past and still think that you can get votes by whipping up communal sentiments. Those days are gone. "You will now have to perform or perish", Mr Badal added. EOM