Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today vociferously asserted that maintaining law and order in the state is our top priority and added that Akali-BJP government has a zero tolerance towards dereliction in duty.He was replying to a media query pertaining to the alleged fake encounter case in Ludhiana. Rubbishing aside the allegation of high headedness by Punjab Police officials, Mr. Badal said that it may be well observed that misconduct, dereliction in duty and failure to exercise proper supervisory control has made many officials face the music. Adding he said action against the erring officials were not limited to routine enquiries or suspensions rather they were dismissed for their lapses, so none would dare to misuse his office. In fact, maximum dismissals of guilty officials under Article 311(2) of the Indian Constitution have been ordered during Akali-BJP regime, said he. Mr. Badal was interacting with the media after paying obeisance at Golden Temple here today. He was accompanied by Union Food Processing Industry Minister Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
Responding to a query pertaining to assembly elections in Haryana Deputy CM said that Akali Dal has decades old relations with INLD and would continue to support it. He added that BJP is well aware of this fact and understands the situation so it will not have any adverse effect on Akali-BJP relationship.Being asked about Punjab government’s plans for the winners of 17th Asian Games, Mr. Sukhbir Badal said that Punjab is very proud of its sportspersons who have brought laurels to the country and the State. Deputy CM, who is also holding the sports portfolio, added that Punjab government would honor all the Punjabi players who have won medals in the Asian and Commonwealth games. The winners from Punjab would get Rs. 26 lac, Rs. 16 lac and Rs. 11 lac for gold, silver and bronze medals respectively in a special felicitation ceremony to be held very soon.Later, reviewing the progress of various ongoing development projects in Amritsar, Mr. Badal said that in about a year and a half, the holy city will witness massive development and emerge as one of the most well developed and beautiful cities of India.