Lashing out at the divisive interpretation of nationalism by the Pirme Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today said that Congressmen did not need any lessons (on nationalism) from someone like him (Modi). He said, while Modi’s nationalism was divisive, that of the Congress was inclusive.Addressing a largely attended public rally organized in support of Manish Tewari, the party candidate from Shri Anandpur Sahib here today, Capt Amarinder said, Modi’s nationalism was flawed as it only divided people instead of uniting them.Nationalism means when people cutting across the religious and other divides feel proud in being Indians, he said, while adding, nationalism always unites as it does not divide and discriminate between people of different faiths and identities.Capt Amarinder said, Punjabis in particular take pride in being true nationalists who have always sacrificed their lives for the country. He disclosed that he had found the names of scores of Punjabis who were exiled to Kala Pani during the freedom struggle. “They knew that they were not to get anything in return, but they wanted our country free”, he said about those Punjabis who were banished to Kala Pani never to return home.
The Chief Minister also announced that he will set up a memorial to all those Punjabis who were banished for life to Kala Pani as a tribute to their sacrifice.Appealing people to vote for Manish Tewari, he said, it will be a privilege for the people of the area to have a representative like him in the parliament.Responding to various local demands, Capt Amarinder said, he had already chalked out a comprehensive plan to develop industrial hubs along the kandi belt, which mostly falls in the Anandpur Sahib parliamentary constituency. He said, this will lead to creation of job opportunities for the youth of the area.He also committed state government’s share towards the wire fencing in the area to prevent the wild animals straying into the farmers’ fields, which leads to massive damage to their crops. The Chief Minister also promised state government’s help in building a sports stadium and completing the Bus Stand in the area. Besides, he added, a new hospital will also be built in the area.Besides Manish Tewari, others present on the occasion including ministers Balbir Singh Sidhu, Charanjit Singh Channi and former minister Jagmohan Singh Kang.