Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today said that promoting the ethos of communal harmony, peace and amity in the state along with ensuring the all round development of the state was the top priority of the SAD-BJP alliance government.
Addressing a mammoth gathering after releasing the book of Superintendent of Police (Crime) Mr Khushi Mohammeed Khan here today at the local Id-Gah, the Chief Minister categorically said that their government have always given due respect to every religion by ensuring the well being of people. He said that due to the unflinching commitment of the state government for maintaining communal harmony and peace in the state, the people of Punjab have time and again supported them by reposing their faith in the policies of the alliance government. Mr Badal said that it was a matter of great pride for all of Punjabis that Punjab was the only state in the country which has witnessed complete peace in last many years.
Reiterating the commitment of the state government towards promoting brotherhood and amity in the state, the Chief Minister said that the biggest achievement of their government was that it had ensured communal harmony and peace in the state adding that despite being a border state Punjab has emerged as a epitome of peace and brotherhood despite of the fact that many other states of the country have fallen prey to the communal violence. He said that the state government was fully committed for welfare of every religion in the state adding that efforts were afoot by the state government to ensure the progress and development of the Muslim brethren.
Recalling the age old ties between the Muslim and Sikh Communities, Mr Badal said that both the communities shared a rich bond amongst themselves and the name of Bhai Mardana was taken with great reverence along with the first Guru of Sikhs, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the annals of Sikh History. He said that due to these strong ties only the Sikh Gurus had urged a Muslim Saint Sain Mian Mir to lay down the foundation stone of Sri Harmandir Sahib, the most revered place of Sikhs. Mr Badal said that Sikh Gurus have taught them to respect every religion and the fact that Bani of many Saints, Seers and Prophets from different religions have been incorporated in Sri Guru Granth Sahib was a testimony to it.
On the occasion the Chief Minister also announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh for the Muslim Human Welfare Society Bathinda. Mr Badal also assured the society to complete the Community Centre besides fulfilling their other demands.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr Sarup Chand Singla, Municipal Corporation Mayor Mr Baljeet Singh, Dean College Development Council Punjabi University Patiala Mr. Jamsheed Ali Khan and Press Secretary Dr. Om Parkash Sharma.